#step one: be highly motivated and have an unyielding will

[unfoldingmoments]

The Three Highly Effective Tactics of a Conversant Christian

Tactic #1: Relate (Personalize the Conversation)

We usually go into a challenging conversation with guns blazing. Our objective is to straighten the other person out. But when was the last time that worked for you? Coming in too hot will only burn bridges. Proverbs 18:19 states, “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.” Translation? You will get nowhere by ticking the other person off. No one, I mean no one, responds well to attacks or insults.

As an advocator, your job is to sincerely understand the other person’s point of view, not to make off-base accusations. You do this by conversing with them, not lecturing them. Your approach is to honor them as a person made in the image of God—not disparage them if they don’t conform to your point of view.

Tactic #2: Investigate (Analyze the Conversation)

People have different backgrounds. Different ways of seeing things. Different temperaments. So you will need to do some investigative work to learn more about them in your endeavor to have a productive conversation which involves asking good questions. What exactly is it that you believe? What are some experiences or life lessons that have shaped your thinking on this issue? Are you open to hearing another perspective? Asking questions demonstrates curiosity and openness, and any person feels complimented when they sense you respect them enough to learn from them.

Tactic #3: Translate (Harmonize the Conversation)

As the conversation draws to a close and before you part ways, your job is to harmonize the conversation by answering three critical questions: (1) What did we learn? (2) Where do we agree? and (3) Where do we go from here?

Thoroughly repeating back the other person’s position will say a lot to them. It shows them you care, you listened, and you take these matters very seriously. Always remember that your intention was never to change the other person’s mind. If they remain disagreeable, make it known that you agree to disagree. If the two of you need space, then agree to that. If, however, you both felt the conversation cleared up some confusion and you want to continue dialoguing, then commit to doing so. Discussing the next steps forces the two of you to evaluate not only the conversation but also the relationship. After discussing where to go from here, end the conversation with prayer.

What about becoming an advocator engages you? What rubs you the wrong way?

“The one who gives an answer before he listens – that is his folly and his shame.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭13‬ ‭NET‬‬

“Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭NET‬‬

“But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with sound teaching. Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in endurance. Older women likewise are to exhibit behavior fitting for those who are holy, not slandering, not slaves to excessive drinking, but teaching what is good. In this way they will train the younger women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be self-controlled, pure, fulfilling their duties at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the message of God may not be discredited. Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, and a sound message that cannot be criticized, so that any opponent will be at a loss, because he has nothing evil to say about us. Slaves are to be subject to their own masters in everything, to do what is wanted and not talk back, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, in order to bring credit to the teaching of God our Savior in everything. For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us to set us free from every kind of lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are truly his, who are eager to do good. So communicate these things with the sort of exhortation or rebuke that carries full authority. Don’t let anyone look down on you.”

‭‭Titus‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭6‬, ‭8‬-‭15‬ ‭NET‬‬

Challenging Conversations: Day 3 • Devotional https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/21359/day/3?segment=0

[thedevotedhealer]

"Loosen Up"

The aftermath of the war was... Rather peaceful. In a way, despite all the losses of very skillful unnamed shinobi. It was something that all great nations needed to finally come together, set aside their differences, and fight as one, a sacrifice not lost In the air. Sakuro, in a way, had to thank Madara and Obito, because things weren't as rocky as before the war with other villages. No Akatsuki running around to cause chaos, no more Madara-poser to capture tailed beasts, no more Kaguya, just... Peace.

But during the recuperation period, came responsibilities, even more responsibilities than the ones they'd had before the war: Naruto, even though made Jonin by Kakashi's favor, was working hard to become a Hokage, working day and night, catching up on study materials with Iruka-sensei's help, Sayuri(Sasuke) was taken into custody, and Sakuro, despite his unyielding admiration for the woman, both romantic(which was slowly dying out) and as a highly talented and skilled shinobi, he kinda hoped they'd give Sayuri a full sentence, but him being the last Uchiha, he knew his wish was close to impossible.

Shikamaru became the new advisor of Kakashi, who was named as the Rokudaime, filling in until Naruto could get his shit together, and his best friend, Inochin (Ino) was working to become the next Leader of Konoha barrier team and also worked on missions concerning interrogation and information gathering. He smiled at the thought, He was so proud of the Yamanaka, both of them having skill gaps at some point of their lives, but now, he could safely say, they were equals, their little rivalry that started over a girl now being there with the sole purpose to keep each other motivated to strive for more and learn more while having each other's backs whenever necessary.

As for him? Once Tsunade stepped down from being the Hokage, a few weeks after, she stepped down as the head medic of the Konoha medical department and, named him both head of the medical department and the director of Konoha Hospital, which meant a LOT more responsibilities than what he previously anticipated. Thank fuck for his quick wit, smarts, and adaptability skills, because holy shit there was a lot of paperwork and patients to go through. He rarely had any time for rest, let alone to go out and hang out with his friends.

Speaking of work...

He was in his office, sitting on the beige sofa and sipping on a fairly sweet coffee, sorting through paperwork on the long, wooden coffee table, glasses framing his otherwise flawless, but tired features. He would sit behind his desk, but there was already a pile of paperwork stacked around it and he needed an empty space to sort through them, so he chose to sit on the sofa. He took another sip, signing off a paper with his "special" pen before a knock came from the door. "Come in" He called out, not bothering to glance over at the door, already knowing who it was.

The door opened, revealing a tall Nara. "Hey. Just stopped by to see ya, since I was around this area. Got a moment?" He closed the door behind him and put his hands into his pockets, walking over to the sofa, he sat next to Sakuro.

"Hmm" Was his only response. "Give me a sec..." He mumbled, checking over the document copy once more, before signing that off as well. He set down the pen, then the mug and finally removed his glasses, before diverting his attention to Shikamaru. "Glad you stopped by." He gave the man a tired smile. "What's up?" He asked, rubbing his eyes with one hand, before looking at the Nara, who scrunched up his nose in displeasure "You look like Madara dumped your head into the rivers of hell or somethin'." He commented, which made Sakuro chuckle. "Two hours of sleep, fifteen hours worth of surgery and healing, and six hours of paperwork and three hours of fixing medical essays about PAD and Asthma." He replied simply. "Comes with the package of being the head medic and director." He smiled dryly. Shikamaru frowned at how tense the man's body looked, then noticed the cup. He took the cup and took a sip before making a face. "Gross, how do you even drink this? it's pure sugar!" He coughed, setting the mug back down, trying to remove the sickly sweet taste from his tongue by swallowing whatever the pinkette had put inside that unholy mixture, mixed with coffee. "And you're supposed to be the responsible medic." He grumbled, which made Sakuro chuckle. "Hey, it helps me stay awake, alright? Plus, you're no better, judging by your voice." He reached over and set a glowing palm on Shikamaru's chest, a few seconds later the man started coughing up, before running into the bathroom. After a bit, he came back out, grumbling. "What can I say, black lungs match my soul." He sat back down next to Sakuro. Over their small talk, he noticed the man's eyes running back to his paperwork from time to time. Shikamaru frowned. "You know, you need to loosen up a little. I know our responsibilities grew, but it doesn't mean ya need to live and breathe work... We have a life outside of it..." He moved closer to the man and gently massaged his neck. This made the pinkette melt on the spot, sighing contently as he felt the tension slowly leave his upper back and, his head. Being friends with Shikamaru came with its own little quirks. Being between a borderline introvert and an extrovert, who observes his surroundings, Sakuro got along well with the genius of Konoha, played shogi with him, and discussed strategies, politics, and whatnot. They picked up on each other's habits and mood swings and learned how to deal with them. For Sakuro, massage to the back of his neck was one of the ways he relieved tension and stress. "Ya know, one of the reasons I came here is, in fact, to make you loosen up." This sentence was rewarded with a set of raised brows. "As much as I'd love to, I'm engaged, so... Unless Temari wants a threesome-" That earned him a disgusted look. "Kidding, Kidding. Jeez. Anyway, the reason I came here was because: Konoha 12 is hanging out tonight. Ino told me to convince ya before he took over the situation and dragged you along with him." He explained.

Sakuro raised a brow again, now facing Shikamaru. "What, you became a mediator too?" He grins playfully. "Hey, I'm trying my best to keep two of my friends from tearing each other's hair out and you know how sensitive Ino is about his. Appreciate me a little more, will ya?" Shikamaru smiled slightly. "That, he is..."

"Anyway, me and Temari-" "She's here?" "Yes, so are Kankuro and Gaara" "Oh nice." Sakuro smiled. "Yeah, lemme finish" He grumbled. "Fiiine, go on..."

"So, we're hanging out, since it's our graduation day anniversary or whatever. Since we hadn't done anything over the years whatsoever.." He explained.

"Tonight?" Sakuro asked, hesitating. "Yep." He nodded. " But- i have a shift toda-" Shikamaru cut him off. "Oh, no ya don't. I've been told to bring you with, so be ready by six. I'll stop by with Temari. You- without your white coat and healing palms, will be ready to meet us. Don't make me go to Rokudaime-sama, I will make him turn this into an emergency mission." He got up and patted Sakuro's shoulder and stood up. "Wait-but-..." "Good to know we came to an agreement, cya later!" He opened the door and walked out. Sakuro heard a "What a drag" as he closed the door.

He blinked, dazed then looked down at the pile of paperwork then up at the clock. "Am i-... Really turning my life into my work...?" He mumbled to himself, before shaking his head, smiling. "I-... Guess it wouldn't hurt to escape once in a while..." He said to himself softly.

He clapped his hands together. "Alright! It's 12 PM, I'll assign other docs on my shift and take a well-deserved break! Oh, and the class..."

He grinned and got to work.

It wouldn't be too bad to let loose sometimes, after all.

//Mod: Using this more as a writing motivation than a starter. It gave me good ideas XD

Talking Heads : Once in a Lifetime album pt. 3 … sentence starters

"Loosen up."

"We've lost the way."

"It's a dangerous life."

"He's hurt, he's dying."

"What good is freedom?"

"I believe he'll be alright."

"Why are we left behind?"

"I believe you'll be alright."

"What are we working for?"

"Why can't I go with them?"

"I was an angry, young man."

"They're grabbing at straws."

"It was not an accident at all."

"God laughs at people like us."

"Now it's only fields and trees."

"Memory is the strangest thing."

"Maybe we'll never meet again?"

"I can't get used to this lifestyle."

"So, don't tell me, please hold me."

"They'll have us home by morning."

"I'm not the same as everyone else."

"I hope you get everything you need."

"I'll make a bet you're both the same."

"I can see the house where I was born."

"Millions of people are waiting on love."

"Why is everybody making eyes at me?"

"And times were hard for people like us."

"No sense of harmony, no sense of time."

"Excuse and pardon me, stay for a while."

"Now don't you wanna get right with me?"

"Watch out, this time they've gone too far."

"Now tell me, what the hell have we become?"

"Somebody could have told us where they go."

"How long must we live in the heat of the sun?"

"There's something special 'bout people like us."

"Well, I hope you're happy with what you've made."

"Love keeps us together. And love will keep us alive."

"You got what you wanted and you lost what you had."

"And as things fell apart, nobody paid much attention."

"If you're looking for trouble, well, that's what you will find."

[kairalika]

Diving Denny Denny Ja 20: Live Lotre Wisely

In an increasingly advanced information age as it is today, it is very important for us to continue to maintain our intelligence and insight. One effective way to increase intelligence is to read essay poetry. Many great writers have produced extraordinary works, one of which is Denny JA. In this article, we will explore Denny JA’s chosen work entitled “Lotre Life Wisely”.    Denny JA is a political expert, motivator, and famous writer in Indonesia. He has written a lot of best -selling essay poetry in the market, and “life lottery wisely” is one of his chosen works that deserves to be accompanied. This essay poem discusses how we can face life wisely and make the right decisions.    First of all, let’s discuss about the wise understanding. According to the Big Indonesian Dictionary, wise means having a deep intelligence, intelligence, and understanding of life. In his essay poetry, Denny Ja explained that being wise means we are able to see all aspects of life with a broader perspective, and are able to make the right decisions based on mature thoughts.    In “Live Lotre Wisely”, Denny Ja also teaches us to face the life lottery. He stressed that every life is like a lottery, where we cannot control what will happen. However, wisely, we can take the right steps to maximize our potential and achieve success.    In his essay poetry, Denny Ja also gives several keys to success in undergoing life lottery. One of them is having a clear vision. According to him, having a clear vision will help us to direct our steps in the right direction. In addition, he also stressed the importance of continuing to learn and develop himself. In an era that continues to develop as it is now, we must continue to adapt and master new knowledge in order to remain relevant.    In addition, Denny Ja also stressed the importance of positive thinking and has an unyielding attitude. In his essay poetry, he said that positive thoughts and unyielding attitudes are the key to dealing with every challenge in life. He also teaches us to always be grateful for what we have, because we are grateful, we will be able to see the positive side of every situation.    In writing this essay poem, Denny Ja uses a simple language and is easily understood by the reader. He also uses real examples and inspirational stories to help readers understand the concepts and ideas that he conveying. This essay poem is also equipped with attractive images and graphics, as well as a complete bibliography.    In his conclusion, “Live Lotre Life wisely” is the chosen work of Denny Ja which is highly recommended to read. This essay poem provides insight and guidelines that are useful for every reader in dealing with life wisely. Denny Ja managed to convey his messages in simple but strong language, and provide real examples that can be identified by the reader. So, let’s explore Denny Ja 20’s chosen work: “Live life wisely” and get the benefits for our lives.

Check more: Dive into the selected work of Denny JA 20: Live Lotre Wisely

[skeptiquewrites]

My ten favourite female characters

Did I get tagged? No, but I'm procrastinating. Thank you @sketchyblondes! In no particular order (trying my best to think about the source materials and not my projections LOL):

1. Hermione Granger (HP) 2. Isabelle Lightwood (Shadowhunters TV Show) 3. Baru Cormorant (The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson) 4. Brienne of Tarth (Game of Thrones) 5. Macy Vaughn (Charmed reboot) 6. Seo Yoo-Kyung (Pasta, kdrama) 7. Sango (Inuyasha) 8. Villanelle (Killing Eve) [although a close tie with Eve] 9. Nile Freeman (The Old Guard) 10. Wong Chia Chi (Lust Caution) Honourable mentions: Korra (Legend of Korra), Sansa Stark (Game of Thrones), Andy (The Old Guard), Alice (Luther), Prunella Gentleman (Sorceror to the Crown by Zen Cho) As soon as I hit send I absolutely will realize I've forgotten someone. Tag you're it.

[cleverwordsandotherstuffilike]

My thoughts on what it means to be a gifted adult . . . and how it might help you. Imbued with a finely tuned and advanced perceptual system, the gifted adult processes information-of-all-kinds with a voracious appetite, and stunning capacity. Typically, we associate giftedness in adults with high levels of achievement. But, like many things… It’s not that simple. “In fact, the gifted person is as likely to be the high school rebel as she is the valedictorian, the CEO, or the Nobel prize winner (Jacobsen, 1999).” And whether we are prize winning leaders, are unseen or rebellious, are living on life’s grandest stage, or thriving behind-the-scenes, we share a common psychology. In fact, our psychology — our mental characteristics and aptitudes — is often misconstrued, and is certainly tangled in misinformation. We share a psychology that begs for aeration. .  .  . GIFTED. It’s a loaded term, and, perhaps, a unfortunate moniker to describe this many-peopled and diverse group. Read the descriptive phrases below . . . Sit back . . . see if they fit . . . then decide if this paradigm might shed some light for you . . . .  .  . GIFTED ADULTS, WHO ARE . . . Brilliant. Bright-eyed, shining-like-the-sun brilliant. Capable of often instantaneous and complex pattern making. Possessed of uncommon and extraordinary talent, in any number of areas. Talents may only be strongly evident in one area, or none; it will depend . . . Conversely, may possess (and have activated) many areas of talent. It’s tricky. The activation of innate potential depends: on deep interests, on chance, on available resources, on personal history, on cuing and miscuing variables (in our families, especially in education, and, more broadly, in society), on opportunities, and on recognition. We can be missed. We can be so deeply out-of-step with our own potential (and deep interests) that we are truly missing-in-action, even to ourselves . . . (more on that later . . . stay tuned . . .) Profoundly curious — delightfully, expectantly, deliciously, assiduously curious . . . Unyielding in our pursuit of knowledge, and of truth. Open to experience. (Assuming that we have not been squelched in life. And that is a big IF — very unfortunately — for many different reasons. . . ) At our best, we can be observed leaning into novelty with expectancy and verve, although not always with grace, (sometimes a little clumsily in fact). But, we are compelled to learn. We have a “rage to master”. (Winner) We are hungry for novelty, and the heady feelings associated with learning deeply and widely. It is life-giving. Soul food. Can integrate diverse elements, relationships, or values, with ease, and delight in doing so. It is play for us. Capable of broad and nuanced associative learning. Can link ideas that reinforce each other, in seemingly endless loops of understanding. While highly stimulating and deeply affirming it can also be exhausting . . . an untameable creature. .  .  . Gifted adults are coherence seeking. Coherence is really, really important to the gifted adult. Things need to connect, to be internally consistent. Patterns need to make sense. For the gifted adult, one learned pattern inevitably points to or suggests another pattern, a more complex entity. Terence McKenna expresses this dynamic of emergence, common to the gifted adult experience: “I see the cosmos as a kind of novelty-producing engine, a kind of machine that produces complexity in all realms — physical, chemical, social — and then uses that achieved level of complexity as a platform for further complexity.” .  .  . Analytical (although not always), intuitive (most often powerfully so), with extraordinary cognitive processing capacities. Possessed of a storehouse of complex and dynamic emotions which may, or may not, be in play. We know that emotions need an appreciative audience to develop in healthy ways, to be able to live-out-loud. And the gifted adult needs an arena to play in. This storehouse, and these emotions, are very, very powerful stuff (more on this later, too). .  .  . Imbued with strong sensual appetites. Richly imaginative. Wildly, soul-affirmingly wedded to an inner life that feeds them. An inner life of imagination, of possibilities; rife with images; suggestive of a life-yet-to-be . . . a world-that-could-be . . . IDEAS THAT WILL NOT DIE: concepts that are wiggling-into-existence, or slamming themselves with authority into our consciousness, seemingly out of nowhere. I want my inner truth to be the plumb line for the choices I make about my life -about the work that I do and how I do it, about the relationships I enter into and how I conduct them.” Parker Palmer Passionate, intense (very intense), and sensitive, sometimes inhumanly so. Most gifted adults are endowed with something psychologists label “High Developmental Potential” which includes intense and nuanced responses to even seemingly neutral stimuli, an autonomous nature (think strong will), and very high intelligence. Throughout our lives . . . We will be compelled to explore and live out something deep within our core, not-to-be-ignored, entirely unique to each of us. Among his various possible beings each man always finds one which is his genuine and authentic being. The voice which calls him to that authentic being is what we call “vocation.” But the majority of men devote themselves to silencing that voice of the vocation and refusing to hear it. They manage to make a noise within themselves…to distract their own attention in order not to hear it; and they defraud themselves by substituting for their genuine selves a false course of life.” (Jose Ortega Y Gasset) .  .  . We are drawn to the integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values and exceedingly adept at that integration. This integration may take many forms: aesthetic, scientific, through language, using logic or mathematics, using an emotional lens, through movement, music or dance. .  .  . “Sooner or later something seems to call us onto a particular path. You may remember this “something” as a signal moment in childhood when an urge out of nowhere, a fascination, a peculiar turn of events struck like an annunciation: This is what I must do, this is what I’ve got to have. This is who I am.” The Soul’s Code: In Search of Character and Calling, James Hillman .  .  . EVERY DAY: SEEK A LITTLE MYSTERY In the end, the motivating force that spurs and galvanizes a brilliant man or woman is expressed by Albert Einstein: “The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existence. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery each day. “Old Man’s Advice to Youth: ‘Never Lose a Holy Curiosity.’” LIFE Magazine (2 May 1955) p. 64” Albert Einstein

P. Susan Jackson, Author

[humanp30ple]

👽 Star Stuff 👽

Basic

Name: Stella-Marie Monroe

Nickname: Tell, Stella Belle, Star Stuff

Age: 17

Gender/Pronouns/presentation: agender, they/them, feminine

Nationality: American

Ethnicity: Afro-Arab and Irish

Race: Multiracial

Orientation: Bisexual

Known Languages: English

Occupation: High school student, dreams of being either an astronomer or a physicist.

Physical Description: 

They're a shapely individual who stands at 5’4 and weighs 123.5 lbs. They appear to be physically mature for their age with wide, full hips, a busty chest, and rounded, sloping shoulders connected by a slim, well-defined midriff. Their bottom is full and round and most of their weight seems to be situated around their thighs. They have tawny brown with a coppery undertone and that’s covered from head to toe in freckles, chestnut-colored eyes, and warm black, waist-length, corkscrew curls pulled into a high side ponytail with mall bangs. They have deep-set, almond-shaped eyes with full, rounded eyebrows with a low arch.

They have a heart-shaped face, their chin is pointed and their forehead is the widest part of their face. They have a strong jawline that tapers off into a defined chin and high cheekbones. Their nose is relatively small with a flat, round shape. They have a heavy upper lip pronounced cupid's bow. They have a gap between their two front teeth that they aren’t really proud of but refuse to get fixed despite how insecure it makes them. Their ears are smaller than average ears and are slightly pointed with unattached earlobes. They frequently wear makeup; their favorite look is draped blush with either an orange or pink tinted lip gloss.

They have large rectangular palms with fingers equal in length to the palm. Their nails are often painted in bright neon colors. They are right-handed.

They have a medium-sized birthmark located just under the left side of their collar bone that kinda resembles the milky way galaxy if you look at it hard enough.

Their most iconic outfit is a fuzzy, neon pink, over-sized, off the shoulder, leopard print sweater with a bright green alien on it worn over a fluorescent green leotard tucked into baggy, high waisted, acid-washed mom jeans that are rolled up at the ankles to reveal the fishnet stockings underneath worn with white high top Nikes. They are most often seen wearing a wide variety of brightly colored scrunchies. Their favorite and perhaps most iconic scrunchie is a hot pink one with neon green aliens on it.

Likes/Dislikes:

Likes:

Space and space-related things

Science fiction

The 80s and things with a retro aesthetic

Makeup

Animal print

Cursed images

Roller skating

Crunchy foods

Dislikes:

Inauthenticity

Bad science

Being lied to

People who act in bad faith

Being wrong about something and not knowing it

People who spread misinformation

Smooth, pasty food

Being considered ordinary

Favorite colors:

Pinks, greens, and purples, specifically in bright, fluorescent, neon shades; deep blues

Favorite Food(s):

Cheez Balls 

Favorite Drink(s):

Coca-Cola

Favorite Song/Theme Song:

Space Age Love Song by A Flock of Seagulls

Movies/TV Shows/Performances: 

Cosmos (the Carl Sagan one)

Star Wars Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back

Hidden Figures

Book(s):

The Dune series by Frank Herbert

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Favorite Subjects in school:

Physics

Planetary science

Favorite animal(s):

Opossum

Favorite place(s): 

The movies

The local roller rink and arcade

The local planetarium

Personality:

Charming, independent, energetic, and compassionate, Stella-Marie Monroe truly is a free spirit.

One of their most endearing qualities is their strong humanitarian impulse and extreme generosity with their time in helping other people. They feel their best when they’re serving others in some capacity. They love people and want to dedicate their life to helping people, whether that be through educating them or advocating for them.

They’re quite talkative and enjoy both small talk and deep, meaningful conversations, which are just two sides of the same coin for them, and are adept at steering conversations towards their desired subjects in ways that feel completely natural and unforced. 

People close to them have said that one of the best things about them is that they are direct and to the point. They say what needs to be said, especially when no one else is willing to say it and can generally be relied upon to be the person who won’t hesitate to call out something or someone they don’t think is right. Though they can be quite contentious at times they can also be trusted to be the one who preaches compassion and sensitivity and is concerned with ensuring the well being of others. They’re generally a good judge of character and possess the ability to peek behind the mask that others wear and identify dishonesty and disingenuous motives.

Many people have described their thought process as being unique, eccentric, and perhaps a little unconventional; with ideas coming rapid and often completely out of the blue. Reading fiction, especially science fiction helps give them food for thought regarding radically new ways of looking at things and heavily influences the way they view the world around them. They aren’t content to just accept things as they are and would much rather think about what they could be. 

They can become a bit impatient with those who are conservative in their thinking and unimaginative and those who are afraid perhaps to think about and try new things and ideas. Nevertheless, they won’t push anyone outside of their comfort zone if they truly don’t think they’re ready to leave it just yet. 

As they observe, forming new connections and ideas, they won’t hold their tongues – they’re excited about their findings and share them with anyone who’ll listen. This infectious enthusiasm has the dual benefit of giving them a chance to make more social connections, and of giving them a new source of information and experience, as they fit their new friends’ opinions into their existing ideas.

Ideas are at the core of their being. They generally prefer to work with the big picture yet still display a healthy appreciation for all the little details. When describing an event, will tell people what it meant instead of what happened and would much rather focus on the “Why?” than the "Who?", "What?", and "When?" When it comes to new ideas, they aren’t interested in brooding – they want to go out and experience things, and don’t hesitate to step out of their comfort zones to do so. Knowledge is important to them and they chase as much of it as possible. They’re always on the search for new information and enjoy passing on the knowledge they've gained. 

They firmly believe that there are no irrelevant actions, that every shift in sentiment, every move, and every idea is part of something bigger. To satisfy their curiosity, they try to notice all of these things and to never miss a moment.

Although they’re very open to exploring new ideas, they require some form of scientific proof before anything can be believed and have been known to call out bad science whenever they come across it. Even then, they enjoy entertaining hypotheticals and indulging in the seemingly impossible. They possess a strong imagination and a unique sensitivity to their surroundings. They often receive intuitive hunches and are apt to have vivid dreams. They have a deep appreciation of beautiful things and find beauty in almost everything. 

Many have noticed the intensity with which they carry out their activities and pursue their interests. Once they’ve set their mind on a goal, their dedication, determination, and commitment to it are extraordinary. Any attempt to deter them or make them change their course has a 90% guaranteed chance of failing miserably. Whatever they’ve set their sights on, they refuse to give up or let go of it. Some find their enthusiasm to be magnetic, others find it just plain scary.

Keeping things going is their strength, especially once someone else starts them. Their stamina and persistence are simultaneously their greatest strengths and one of their greatest weaknesses; they can get caught in a rut and refuse to seize new opportunities. There are times when they can come across as dogmatic and unyielding. They follow their own convictions regardless of what others think of them and won’t quit until the thing they’re pursuing has reached its logical conclusion.

What they have in regards to pure enthusiasm they lack in terms of concentration. It’s hard for them to maintain interest as tasks drift towards routine, administrative matters, and away from broader concepts.

They also have a habit of overthinking things and have a tendency to doubt their own conclusions. They’ve never been one take things at face value – they look for underlying motives in even the simplest things. It’s not uncommon for them to lose a bit of sleep asking themselves why someone did what they did, what it might mean, and what to do about it.

They are often described as being independent to a fault. They loathe being micromanaged and restrained by heavy-handed rules – they want to be seen as highly independent masters of their own fates, even possessors of an altruistic wisdom that goes beyond draconian law. The problem is: they live in a world of checks and balances, a pill they are not happy to swallow.

Ironically, despite readily advocating for the needs of others, their greatest weakness is that they struggle with advocating for themselves. They often have a difficult time saying no and will sometimes stay in bad situations thinking that they can somehow change the other person and then all will be well. Subconsciously they love to play the martyr or the savior who fixes people and as a result, people will often try to take advantage of them and their willingness to help. They’re a sucker for a sob story, much to their own detriment.

They’re a sentimental and romantic person. At times, they expect too much from others and then feel hurt if the other person doesn't come through for them. They have a strong tendency to place their loved ones on a pedestal, thus setting up the eventual disillusionment that comes when they discover that the object of their admiration has faults, too.

Their worst quality, however, is their refusal to cope with challenging emotions. Negative feelings make them uncomfortable. They have a difficult time dealing with their own or other people's problems and emotional pain. They often try to "cheer up" or offer advice to those who are hurting, but in actuality, they’re trying to avoid or ignore the emotions involved. This refusal to engage with their emotions in a way that’s productive causes their feelings to manifest in ways that cause problems for them, particularly when under stress, criticism or conflict, They frequently experience emotional bursts that are counterproductive at best and debilitating at worse.

[yasminchatterjee]

BASICS.

Name:

yasmin

a persian name that means jasmine, after the flowering plant.

chatterjee

owners of the world’s largest airline conglomerate, the chatterjees are well-known in india as well as in britain for being pioneers in that industry. yasmin, however, has made a name for herself in the financial spheres.

Nickname: yasmin abhors nicknames; she only grudgingly allows royce and regina to refer to her as yas, though the former now refers to her nearly exclusively as mom.

Gender & Pronouns: female & she/her

Age & DOB: forty-one; december 29, 1978

Zodiac sign: capricorn

Orientation: bi-demisexual & biromantic

Nationality: british

Ethnicity: indian

Religion: hindu

Neuroses: yasmin prefers when people are polite and adheres to societal norms in regards to etiquette. she does not take it well when that does not happen.

HISTORY.

Hometown: london, england

Father: rakesh chatterjee, deceased

Mother: samaya chatterjee, née prasad, deceased

Partner: thomas mitchell

( Step ) Children: royce & regina ward

Siblings, if any:

emir chatterjee, aged sixty

kaira talwar, aged fifty-four

navya ganesan, aged fifty-two

Extended family:

yasmin has several nieces and nephews, many of whom are only 10-15 years younger than herself, as she was the youngest child by nearly ten years.

Educational background:

bassett house school; 1982-1991 queen’s college; 1991-96 gap year london school of economics; 1997-2000 ( bsc in finance ) oxford university; 2000-01 ( msc in financial economics ) oxford university; 2001-03 ( dphil in economics )

Languages spoken:

english (fluent) hindi (fluent) persian (fluent) french (moderately fluent) spanish (moderately fluent) italian (conversational)

Occupational history:

owner, chatterjee capital; 2007-present vice president, goldman-sachs; 2006-07 senior analyst, goldman-sachs; 2004-06 analyst, marshall wace; 2003-04

Achievements:

head girl; queen’s college

THE SOCIETY.

Codename: shakti

Meaning: the primordial cosmic energy that represents the dynamic forces that move through the entire universe in hinduism

Traditionalist or Reformist?: traditionalist

Goals in the society: to further her own goals and the goals of her family.

Opinion on the society: it has helped her significantly personally and has the capacity to truly change the world. yasmin is proud of her position within the society and seeks to keep it exclusive.

PERSONALITY.

MBTI: entp-A { the debater }

Debaters are the ultimate devil’s advocate, thriving on the process of shredding arguments and beliefs and letting the ribbons drift in the wind for all to see. An odd juxtaposition arises with Debaters, as they are uncompromisingly honest, but will argue tirelessly for something they don’t actually believe in, stepping into another’s shoes to argue a truth from another perspective. Debaters’ capacity for debate can be a vexing one – while often appreciated when it’s called for, it can fall painfully flat when they step on others’ toes by say, openly questioning their boss in a meeting, or picking apart everything their significant other says. This is further complicated by Debaters’ unyielding honesty, as this type doesn’t mince words and cares little about being seen as sensitive or compassionate. Likeminded types get along well enough with people with the Debater personality type, but more sensitive types, and society in general, are often conflict-averse, preferring feelings, comfort, and even white lies over unpleasant truths and hard rationality. Treating others as they’d be treated, Debaters have little tolerance for being coddled, and dislike when people beat around the bush, especially when asking a favor. Debater personalities find themselves respected for their vision, confidence, knowledge, and keen sense of humor, but often struggle to utilize these qualities as the basis for deeper friendships and romantic relationships.

Enneagram: Eight { 98% } with a very close One { 95% }

Type Eight is also known as The Challenger. Eights see themselves as strong and powerful and seek to stand up for what they believe in. Eights are motivated by the desire to be independent and to take charge of themselves and others. They are assertive personalities and passionate about life, which they approach with vigor and confidence. Eights know how to look after themselves. They pursue their own destiny. Eights have an imposing presence: they are action people, preferring to ‘do’ rather than conceptualize, and they are ready to make the difficult decisions and accept the consequences if things go wrong.

Type One can be thought of as The Perfectionist. Ones place a lot of emphasis on following the rules and doing things correctly.

Temperament: choleric

The choleric temperament is fundamentally ambitious and leader-like. They have a lot of aggression, energy, and/or passion, and try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were choleric. They like to be in charge of everything. However, cholerics also tend to be either highly disorganized or highly organized. They do not have in-between setups, only one extreme to another. As well as being leader-like and assertive, cholerics also fall into deep and sudden depression. Essentially, they are very much prone to mood swings.

Hogwarts House: slytherin

Inspirations/Parallels: miranda priestly, leia organa, sansa stark

Tropes: old money, self-made man, wealthy philanthropist

YOUR MUSE AS ..:

A piece of art: tiger in a tropical storm by henri rousseau

A song: the observatory by the white buffalo

A book: girl, stop apologizing by rachel hollis

A movie: the iron lady

A TV show: succession

A historical era: the regency period

A historical figure: emmeline pankhurst

A fictional character: aunt march

A colour: bright red

An animal: a peacock

YOUR MUSE’S DREAM ..:

Job:

she already has it, managing her own hedge fund that has several firms in multiple countries. in a perfect world, yasmin would continue to expand to other cities, but she has already achieved one of the greatest ambitions she’s ever had.

Vacation:

spending the day exploring a foreign city, trying the different flavors and entertainment that it might have to offer. some of her favorite vacations to date have been in locations she’s unfamiliar with, such as athens and moscow.

Day:

waking up and having coffee and breakfast with her fiancée, a very productive day of work, lunch with the gremlins, followed by an afternoon filled with meetings and a family dinner. ( she is driven mostly by ambition and, as such, cannot imagine days without work in some capacity. )

As a child:

to be different. it was expected that yasmin would follow the rest of her siblings into the family’s aerospace empire, but she instead forged her own path through finance and economics.

Last night:

it was a nightmare, truly, that involved yasmin adopting a pet.

That they gave up on:

being a mother. yasmin had always longed to have biological children of her own, but now as she’s nearing forty-two, she’s realized that’s not something that’s going to occur.

That they have right now:

to continue to expand the hedge firm as well as to be more present with her family. the closer yasmin has gotten to both regina and royce, the more she’s realized she needs to focus on family at least as much as her work.

[douglasacogan]

Chad Marks, high-profile "prison lawyer" subject to extreme stacked 924(c) term, gets his sentence reduced from 40 to 20 years via § 3582(c)(1)(A)

Readers may recall this post from last year about a remarkable four-page order entered in US v. Marks, No. 03-CR-6033 (WDNY March 14, 2019).  I am happy to have an update to this story.  First some background, then the latest chapter.

Chad Marks' case has been followed for years by clemency advocates like Amy Povah, and this CAN-DO profile page has lots of background materials about his case, his requests for clemency, and all the positive work he has done since being federally sentenced years ago to 40 mandatory prison years due to stacked § 924(c) firearm charges.  The March 2019 order by US District Judge David Larimer, which reviewed the unfairness of Marks' sentence and his extraordinary good works in prison, urged the local federal prosecutor to "carefully consider exercising his discretion to agree to an order vacating one of Marks two Section 924(c) convictions" in light of congressional modifications of this provision in the FIRST STEP Act.

At the time of the March 2019 order in the Marks case, I noted that Judge Larimer did not "have to rely on the US Attorney to do justice in this case now that the FIRST STEP Act has changed the process around judicial consideration of sentence modifications under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(C)(1)(A)."  Reading the March 2019 Marks order, it seemed to me that Judge Larimer had already essentially concluded that Chad Marks had  established "extraordinary and compelling reasons" to warrant a sentencing reduction under § 3582(c)(1)(A).

Fast forward just over 13 months, and now we have a new order in US v. Marks, No. 03-CR-6033L, 2020 WL 1908911 (WDNY April 20, 2020) (available for download below).  This order now runs 39 pages, and here are a few highlights:

The United States Attorney never formally responded to the Court’s Order and suggestion, but the Government’s position is crystal clear from its filings and steadfast opposition to Marks’s motion.  Given the Government’s continued, unyielding characterization of Marks as “a dangerous and violent man,” (Dkt. #503 at 1), and “a liar, perjurer and an obstructer of justice,” id. at 2, who “remains a criminal,” id., and its position that Marks “is not entitled to and does not deserve any more mercy,” id. at 23, it is obvious that the Government will never consent to vacating one of Marks’s § 924(c) convictions, or to any other relief for Marks.  It seems highly unlikely that the Government ever took seriously this Court’s request that it “carefully consider” doing so.

Be that as it may, that avenue of relief is thus foreclosed in this case.  Absent the Government’s consent (or some other independent ground), this Court has no authority to vacate any of Marks’s convictions....  But that does not necessarily mean that Marks is barred from all relief.  In addition to his pro se motion to reduce his sentence, he has also filed a motion, through counsel, to reduce his sentence pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A)(I). (Dkt. #498.)  That motion is based in large part on the First Step Act of 2018, which is discussed below....

There is growing authority from district courts throughout the country that find extraordinary and compelling circumstances under circumstances very similar to Marks’s.  First, Marks was subject to the “stacking” of offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(C)....  Congress has also stated that “rehabilitation ... alone” may not be considered an extraordinary and compelling reason for reduction of sentence. While that clearly forecloses relief based solely on a defendant’s efforts toward rehabilitation, it implies that rehabilitation is a factor that a court may consider, in conjunction with other relevant circumstances....

[The Government's argument] puts Marks in a “Catch-22” situation.  If he had spent his free time in prison doing little but visiting the weight room, or sitting in his cell reading comic books, the Government would likely point to that as evidence of his incorrigibility or indolence.  Yet having taken consistent, years-long efforts to better his life and the lives of those around him, Marks finds himself accused of a cynical attempt to play on the Court’s sympathies.  The Government is apparently unwilling even to consider the possibility that Marks’s efforts have been sincere.  In the Government’s view, there is no place for redemption.  I do not share that view....

Furthermore, the mere fact that some self-interest may have been involved is hardly remarkable, and is not a reason to disregard Marks’s accomplishments since then. Whatever motives may have initially prompted Marks to undertake rehabilitative efforts, the fact is that he has followed that path for many years, by all appearances to the benefit of himself and others.  If actions speak louder than words, then Marks’s actions have spoken volumes.  To ignore those efforts would only serve to discourage prisoners from making any efforts at rehabilitation, which is presumably not what Congress had in mind when it gave prisoners the ability to seek direct relief from the courts.

It is undisputed that at one point in this case, during plea negotiations, the Government floated the idea of a straight 20-year plea....  Clearly, then, at one time the Government was open to the idea of Marks being released from prison after twenty years.  As explained above, I see no reason why Marks is more dangerous now than he was then.  The evidence before the Court indicates quite the contrary.  The Court is not suggesting that a defendant can refuse a plea offer, and then years later, having received a stiffer sentence than what he was offered, retroactively “accept” the offer.  The point is that the Government’s prior willingness to consider a 20-year plea deal undercuts its present argument that Marks is too dangerous to be released before the end of his current 40-year sentence....

Having weighed the relevant circumstances, in light of the evidence and the law, I conclude that the appropriate relief here is to reduce Marks’s sentence to an aggregate term of twenty years’ imprisonment, followed by an eight-year term of supervised release.... In reaching this conclusion, the Court notes that even twenty years is more than that imposed on Marks’s codefendants, who received sentences of 13 years (Richard Ross, Dkt. #142), 15 years and one month (Nathan Brown, Dkt. #256), and 12 years and seven months (Tommy Hardy, Dkt. #276).  None of those codefendants were minor participants in the offense.  I recognize that those defendants pleaded guilty, while Marks elected to proceed to trial. The point is that his sentence remains a hefty one, and for all the reasons stated above, in my discretion, I find that it is appropriate here.

Download W.D.N.Y. 03-cr-06033 dckt 000536_000 filed 2020-04-20

Though I am quite pleased to see Judge Larimer exercise his discretion to cut two excessive decades off Chad Marks' prison term, I am still put off just a bit by the fact that the court here decided that the arbitrary round number of "20 years" originally proposed by federal prosecutors was the "right" sentence now.  Especially since it appears none of Marks' co-defendants got more than 15.1 years, it still seems that the court is essentially indicating that five extra years in prison for exercising the right to go to trial is fitting even after it is clear that those five extra years are not needed for the defendant's rehabilitation.  For all the virtues of this opinion, it still closes with a not-so-subtle conclusion that it is proper for this defendant to be given an extra half-decade in prison for exercising his constitutional right to put the government to its burden of proof.

That all said, because of time already served and good time credits, I think the new 20-year term for Chad Marks still means he should be released from federak prison relative soon (rather than in the year 2037, as the BOP inmate locator says as of this writing).  Congrats to both Chad and to his lawyers (including, according to a footnote in this new opinion, former federal Judge John Gleeson).

Some (of many) prior related posts on (COVID-free) sentence reductions:

New District Court ruling confirms that "any extraordinary and compelling reasons" can now provide basis for reducing imprisonment under 3582(c)(1)(A)

District Court finds statutory sentence reform among "extraordinary and compelling reasons" for reducing LWOP sentence under 3582(c)(1)(A)

Another notable (but ultimately disappointing) ruling about sentence reductions under 3582(c)(1)(A) after FIRST STEP Act

Another LWOP federal drug sentence reduced under 3582(c)(1)(A) after FIRST STEP Act

Another District Court finds statutory sentence reform among "extraordinary and compelling reasons" for reducing sentence by 40 years under 3582(c)(1)(A) 

Another thoughtful and thorough opinion finds statutory reform among "extraordinary and compelling reasons" for reducing sentence under § 3582(c)(1)(A) 

Notable recent (pre-COVID) grants of sentence reductions from coast to coast using § 3582(c)(1)(A) ... as FAMM urges thousand more filings in response to coronavirus

Two notable new § 3582(c)(1)(A) sentence reductions to remedy extreme stacked 924(c) sentences reformed by FIRST STEP Act 

from RSSMix.com Mix ID 8247011 https://sentencing.typepad.com/sentencing_law_and_policy/2020/04/chad-marks-gets-his-sentence-cut-from-40-to-20-years-.html via http://www.rssmix.com/

[peopleofnewhampshire]

Journal of the House of Representatives of the State of New Hampshire, 1855

Page 32: The people of this State are not wont to be dilatory in the march of progress and reform, and I trust that their hopes and expectations of a radical change in our license law will be no longer doomed to disappointment. A new law prohibiting the sale, with very limited exceptions, if any are advisable—a law which will protect the legal rights of all persons, but be clothed with ample powers to effectually enforce its provisions, and, as fully as possible, answer its intents and purposes—a law, the penalties of which, shall be commensurate with the offense—such a law, I have no doubt, is expected and demanded by the people of New Hampshire. The welfare and prosperity of the State demand it; our social and domestic relations demand it; morals and religion demand it; the hopes of the rising generation demand it; patriotism demands it; and I cannot believe that these demands will be slighted by a legislature elected under circumstances peculiarly propitious for a full knowledge of the wishes and wants of their constituents, and free from all associations and prejudices tending to embarrass independence of action favorable to promoting them.

Page 240: 3d. Resolved, That the people of New Hampshire demand as a right, the restoration of said compromise, and the amendment of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, so called, so as to exclude slavery from said territories, and will never consent to the admission into the Union, of any State out of said territory, with a constitution tolerating slavery.

4th. Resolved, That, while the people of New Hampshire are ardently and affectionately attached to the Union, and will do all in their power to preserve it, consistently with their honor and their rights, they will not, to avoid any crisis, submit to the introduction of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska, consecrated and set apart to free labor, as those territories have been for more than thirty years, by the consent of all the States of the Union.

5th. Resolved, That all threats of a dissolution of the Union coming from the slave States, unless they are permitted to regulate the policy of the general government on the subject of slavery, have lost all their terrors with the people of New Hampshire, and that they are resolved to demand and enforce their rights in every crisis, and at any sacrifice, consistently with honor and the Constitution. ……… 7th. Resolved, That the question whether “it is the duty and the interest of the people of Arkansas to discontinue all social and commercial relations” with the people of Ohio, in consequence of conduct of which they disapprove, is on upon which the people of New Hampshire are not, at this time, called to act, and one which they are willing the people of Arkansas should settle for themselves, upon their own responsibility, having no fears that the people of Ohio will be frightened from what they deem their duty or interest, by any threats of the kind coming from the State of Arkansas, or any other salve State, and that the people of New Hampshire hereby pledge themselves to the people of Ohio, that they will unite with, and sustain them in all constitutional efforts to resist the further aggressions of the slave power.

Page 11: And let us all, gentlemen, apply ourselves to the duties before us with a fixed determination to perform them in as brief a time as may be consistent with due deliberation and prudence, over remembering that we are here as the representatives of the people of New Hampshire, not of any particular section or class of them; that we are here to consult the interests of the people of New Hampshire, not our own individual wishes or prejudices.

Page 246: Resolved, That the people of New Hampshire demand as a right the restoration of said Compromise and the amendment of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, so called, so as to exclude slavery from said territories, and will never consent to the admission into the Union of any State out of said territory with a constitution tolerating slavery.

Resolved, That while the people of New Hampshire are ardently and affectionately attached to the Union, and will do all int heir power to preserve it, consistently with their honor and their rights, they will not, to avoid any crisis, submit to the introduction of slavery into Kansas and Nebraska, consecrated and set apart to free labor as those territories have been for more than thirty years, by the consent of all the States of the Union, nor will they hold themselves bound by any legislative compromise upon the subject of slavery till the Missouri Compromise is restored.

Page 247: Resolved, That threatens of a dissolution of the Union, coming from the slave States, unless they are permitted to regulate the policy of the General Government on the subject of slavery, have lost all their terrors with the people of New Hampshire, and that they are resolved to demand and enforce their rights in every crisis, and at any sacrifice, consistently with their honor and the Constitution. ……… Resolved, That the question whether it is the duty and the interest of the people of Arkansas to discontinue all social and commercial relations with the people of Ohio, in consequence of conduct which they disapprove, is one upon which the people of New Hampshire are not, at this time, called to act, and one which they are willing the people of Arkansas should settle for themselves upon their own responsibility, having no fears that the people of Ohio will be frightened from what they deem their duty or interest, by any threats of the kind coming from the State of Arkansas, or any other slave State, and that the people of New Hampshire hereby pledge themselves to the people of Ohio, that they will united with, and sustain them in all constitutional efforts to resist the further aggressions of the slave power.

Page 290: Mr. Herbert of Rumney, offered the following resolution:

Resolved, That the veto of Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, of the Collins Appropriation Bill, March 3d, 1855, was an act worthy of his position as a statesman and a patriot, highly creditable to himself, showing clear sagacity as a jurist, a lucid understanding of the Constitution; eloquent and convincing in its language, without party bias or sectional preference, showing alike the purity of his motives and his hickory firmness, which yields to no monied monopoly or extravagant corrupt expenditures of our public fund; but showing an unyielding attachment to our national integrity and articles of confederation; which elicits praise and continued confidence from the people of New Hampshire, which political selections and educated hostility should never be permitted to withhold.

Page 338: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened, That the people of New Hampshire have never regarded the “French Spoliation Bill” as founded in justice, and for that reason have resisted their payment. Therefore, we approve of the act of the President of the United States in vetoing the bill for their payment passed by the last Congress; and we hereby request our delegation in Congress to oppose all similar bills.

Page 576: Mr. Fellows of Salisbury, moved the substitution of the following for that portion of the resolutions which occurs after the words “as follows,” where it occurs in the first of the series:

Resolved, That we reiterate the sentiments so many times endorsed and conformed by a large majority of the people of new Hampshire, through the ballot box and in public assemblies, that—

“Congress has no power, under the constitution, to interfere with or control the domestic institutions of the several States, and that such States are the sole and proper judges of everything appertaining to their own affairs not prohibited by the constitution; that all efforts of the abolitionists or others made to induce Congress to interfere with questions of slavery, or to take incident steps in relation thereto, are calculated to lead to the most alarming and dangerous consequences; and that all such efforts have an inevitable tendency to endanger the stability and permanency of the Union, and ought not to be countenance by any friend of our political institutions.”