Increased Devotion to the Cause

Happy Memorial Day…
We can really celebrate this holiday by acting on President Abraham Lincoln’s admonition at the conclusion of his Gettysburg Address:

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

I encourage you to take “increased devotion to that cause,” the cause of liberty.

…Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.  — 2 Corinthians 3:17

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April 19, 1775

From Lexington Green to the Old North Bridge,
that day, April 19, 1775, our Patriot Fathers
engaged the mightiest fighting force of the time,
the British Empire.
The War for American Independence had begun.
Emerson’s dedicatory poem, Concord Hymn,
immortalized the moment with his phrase,
“the shot heard round the world.”
Today, the battle for liberty continues,
but with ballots, not bullets.
America continues to depend
on her patriot minutemen sounding the cry
of protecting our God-given liberties.
We pray it may it never come to bullets again,
but that patriotic Americans would once again
be armed with the truth, and not afraid to use it.

How dear is liberty to you?

Just two days before Washington crossed the Delaware then went on to win the Battle of Trenton, these words (from a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine) were read to the Continental troops:

“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

How dear is liberty to you?

America is Exceptional

Our beloved nation was founded not as an ethnic group, for we are indeed a melting pot of ethnicity, but as a philosophy upholding individual liberty as the prime objective. The Declaration of Independence (which Jefferson opined as “an expression of the American mind”) describes this philosophy. American exceptionalism is not based on size and might, but on a simple idea that the individual is created to be free and that government is created to protect that individual freedom.

President Putin does not understand this idea. In his open letter to the American people last week, he expressed in the final paragraph his total misunderstanding of the subject. Putin is not alone. Our own President Obama apparently has “grown” in his understanding of the concept, but, while American’s also “groan” at the president’s inept and insufficient experience in foreign policy. It is too little, too late.

Remember on his first overseas trip as president in 2009, he stated,  “I believe in American exceptionalism, just as I suspect that the Brits believe in British exceptionalism and the Greeks believe in Greek exceptionalism.” (As you can see, a very steep learning curve has existed since then. We have had to put up with on-the-job-training since early in his first term, but that is another story.)

The designation of American exceptionalism was first attributed to Alexis de Tocqueville in his landmark work, Democracy in America. If you would like a good primer on the meaning of exceptionalism, may I suggest Matthew Spalding’s essay distributed by The Heritage Foundation, “Why is America Exceptional?” which I have shared with others over the past few years. Speaking of the Heritage Foundation, its new president, former Senator Jim DeMint, wrote a short and pithy letter to President Putin with a few barbs you may find interesting. This short letter is certainly worth your time.

America must recover its memory. We need to be reminded, over and over, of our history and heritage and the ideas that made her great. This is one reason why I spend most of my time teaching teenaged students at The Pillar Foundation. American exceptionalism is just one generation away from extinction. We must not let that happen, not only for our sake, but for the world’s. There is no other story like it.

Last Ounce of Courage

Here is my review of a fine traditional values film called “Last Ounce of Courage,” which I recommend heartily:

Lookout, your worldview is showing. The overwhelming negativity in the critic’s corner is a sure bet that there is something positive about traditional values in this flick. “Last Ounce of Courage” may not be a Hollywood-grade Oscar nominee, but it is far from the tripe that typically hails from Tinseltown. This movie reveals the content of an American’s heart–something that is either there or not there. That something is a faith-based patriotism, surely something that is unpopular inside and outside the Tinseltown city limits, and certainly not apparent in the critic’s corner. I look for the ring of truth in a movie. That ring cannot resonate in a vacuum. It needs something solid and of the same quality to reverberate off of. American exceptionalism and common sense are not dead. They just need a little stirring. I think “Last Ounce” does very well at stirring what hidden courage is still out there. I say, “bravo” to Rocky Mountain Pictures! Shout it from the mountaintops.

Why Akin Won

One word characterizes the MO Senate primary win – integrity. Todd Akin’s constituency has learned to trust and appreciate him.

Akin and grandsons at election night victory party

Why? Because he is an honest man of his word, by the grace of God. (The Congressman will be the first to admit that.) The Akin campaign staff and volunteers are not just in it for the money, the win, or anything else. They are in it for Todd and the conservative cause he characterizes. He is honest, trustworthy, and approachable. There’s no dirt or skeletons. He is a man of conviction and principle. That is why he can be trusted even if one may not always agree with a particular vote. You know he is voting wholesome, Godly, traditional values.

Some are uncomfortable with Akin’s frequent expression of his faith. I think there is absolutely nothing to fear. He knows his American history and that our founding fathers believed in personal faith and in public reliance on “Divine Providence,” yet without any establishment of a national religion. Acknowledgment and establishment are two completely different things. You will not see Todd Akin cross that line. Todd Akin is a proponent of everything that has made America great. He acknowledges our historic trust in God as well as the Divine endowment of our inalienable rights. He is a protector of the family, the cell of our civilization, as well as a defender of our personal, political, and economic liberties.

You cannot buy trust. You cannot purchase true loyalty. They are earned. And Todd Akin has earned this win with his life and service. May God multiply his tribe and may God continue to bless America!

Experience Counts in Desperate Times

“If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government,
our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.”
–Samuel Adams, Patriot (1780)

Now is that time, and the U.S. Senate race in Missouri is that battleground seat. Without proven and tested representation at the highest levels of leadership, it appears that the ruin of our republic is imminent. Let me make a few points:

• The U.S. Senate is not the place to start an untested, inexperienced person in office. We need solid, conservative experience in this high office. (Look what inexperience got us in the Oval Office.)
• Proven character is needed to avoid the landmines of indulgence, pride, and position.
• Experience is needed to maneuver around high powered lobbying inside and outside the D.C. beltway.
• A seasoned veteran is needed on “day one” to understand and use the convoluted rules of the legislative process.

TODD AKIN IS THE ONLY SENATE CANDIDATE WITH THIS EXPERIENCE.

Of the 435 Representatives in the House, Todd Akin is ranked 21st most conservative by a range of very conservative watchdog groups. (See Chart) Did you get that?? 21 out of 435! That’s in the top 5%–way above some of the most noted and popular conservatives.

Todd Akin is being maliciously maligned and mischaracterized by opponents who know he cannot be controlled by party, big money, establishment–anybody or anything other than bedrock Constitutional principle. They are twisting and misinterpreting his conservative record. They are impugning his motives and actions. They will do anything to win. But Todd will not go after them in the same manner. He will show respect even to the disrespectful. Todd Akin represents the values of God-fearing, Constitutional-loving patriots as one who will stand for faith, family, and freedom. Todd is a man of faith who loves God, who protects family, and who cherishes liberty. He will protect those values. His rhetoric and his record show this to be true. Todd does not simply aspire to high office, he aspires to serve his country, his constituents, and his Creator.

Todd Akin represents my values and he has my wholehearted endorsement and my vote.

TODD AKIN NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT AND YOUR VOTE ON AUGUST 7.

Real Leadership

Now this is real leadership…leadership for such a time as this. When opponents are out of ideas and things to say about themselves, they resort to personal and professional attacks. It is the publishing of those half-truths-turned-lies that show a genuine LACK of  leadership…a real character deficit–and certainly not U.S. Senate caliber. That is why I support Todd Akin for U.S. Senate from Missouri. He understands our times and knows what to do. He will represent Missouri well and help lead us through this present darkness back into the light. He represents my values and I am glad to unequivocally endorse him and lend my name wholeheartedly as his supporter. On August 7, please vote for Todd Akin for U.S. Senate. He has the full dimension of leadership we need. See for yourself:

Calling on Akin to take the high ground and leave the low ground to Brunner

Just got today’s mail…I tried to count to 10, but just got to 9 before I clicked “Post!”

I CONDEMN John Brunner for his negative attack ads and his misrepresentation and spinning of the facts.

Mr. Brunner, you cannot purchase this election with all your slick mailings and commercials. For being a self-proclaimed outsider and “citizen-senator,” you are cherry picking facts just like “career politicians” do. I don’t think you will find either Akin or Steelman doing what you have done. The truth will prevail, your support will evaporate, and your high-paid political promoters will be the only beneficiaries of your self-funded campaign. God forgive me if I am being harsh, but I have had enough of it. Truth can be stretched into lies and I think you have crossed over that line.

This has been airing the last couple of weeks. Combined with the mailing I received today, I have just one thing to say, “Shame on you John Brunner for misrepresenting the truth:”

Now here is a class act:

I call on Congressman Akin to rebut Brunner’s mischaracterizations with the truth of the matter, and do it in an appropriate way.

Two Historic Quotes on this Day

July 2, 1776 and 1912…Founding Father John Adams extolling the Declaration of Independence versus Progressivist Woodrow Wilson reinterpreting it.

Teaching my worldview class for the past seven years has afforded great opportunities to study our nation’s history and find some great quotations. One of those great historic quotes was John Adams glorying on that day’s events in a letter to his wife, Abigail:

The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.

You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction, even although We should rue it, with I trust in God We shall not.

July 2, 1776 was the day Congress declared independence from Great Britain; July 4, 1776 was the adoption of the document, The Declaration of Independence. John Adams’ sentiments were only a couple of days early, but his heart was certainly on the pulse beat of every American.

Just 136 years later, presidential candidate Woodrow Wilson would declare his extremely progressivistic views on this same document–a view that would change the landscape of American politics and chart a departing course from that of our founding fathers. Wilson’s view predominates the liberal agenda of today’s politics. Wilson could invoke the name of God with the best of them, but that did not mean his politics were blessed of that God whom he quoted. Read this insightful introduction from The Heritage Foundation, then following, read for yourself the words of Governor Wilson who would months later become our 28th President and leader/charter of the progressive movement.

http://www.heritage.org/initiatives/first-principles/primary-sources/woodrow-wilson-asks-what-is-progress

Read it and weep for an America that has followed that course and that needs to repent and return to the course of John Adams and his contemporaries.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
“Righteousness exalts a nation…”
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.”

Evangelical Version of Popular Vote Video

Pass this video around to all your friends who love freedom:

 

Sage Advice for Voters from Noah Webster

Noah Webster in his 1832 “History of the United States,” Chapter XIX “Advice to the Young,” #49:

49. When you become entitled to exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed on your mind that God commands you to choose for rulers, “just men who will rule in the fear of God.” The preservation of a republican government depends on the faithful discharge of the Duty; if the citizens neglect their Duty and place unprincipled men in office, the government will soon be corrupted; laws will be made, not for the public good so much as for selfish or local purposes; corrupt or incompetent men will be appointed to execute the Laws; the public revenues will be squandered on unworthy men; and the rights of the citizen will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it my be because the citizens neglect the Divine Commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the Laws. Intriguing men can never safely be trusted.

This is why I am supporting and voting for Todd Akin for U.S. Senator from Missouri.

I know the Congressman and his family personally. They are the real deal. I believe Todd Akin would qualify for an endorsement from Noah Webster! He is pro-family, pro-faith, pro-liberty, and pro-Constitution, pro-limited government, pro-balanced budget–a fiscal and social conservative. I couldn’t give anyone a higher recommendation. Todd’s conservative record proves his principled approach to government as well as his commitment to principle over party. He understands the difference between conviction and preference and I trust him to represent my values and the values of Missourians. Todd Akin has my unconditional support in this important primary and election and I ask all Missourians to consider supporting his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

Obama’s Immigration Policy: Separation of Powers and the Rule of Law

In his immigration policy statement Friday, President Barack Obama told reporters that current immigration laws would not be enforced in order to make them “more fair” and “more just.” Our chief executive has not only chosen  nonenforcement of current law but also usurpation of the role of the legislative and judicial branches of our government. Here are his statements:

“This morning, Secretary Napolitano announced new actions my administration will take to mend our nation’s immigration policy, to make it more fair, more efficient and more just…reform that continues to improve our border security and lives up to our heritage as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants..We have always drawn strength from being a nation of immigrants, as well as a nation of laws. And that’s going to continue. And my hope is that Congress recognizes that and get behind — gets behind this effort.”

Our U.S. Constitution and the rule of law have again been undermined by the highest office in the land. I am aghast that he has placed American immigration policy on an equal level with America’s consummate rule of law. Being “a nation of immigrants and a nation of laws” do not equate. Obama has become judge, jury, and executioner…again. (Remember DOMA?)

This desperate move not only upsets our two most cherished governmental restraints, but also panders to perhaps the single largest voting block, Latinos, just months before an election. Just one year ago, Obama said he could not do what he just did. He had categorically stated that comprehensive immigration reform was the only answer. There are many immigration reform bills in Congress now, one or two that are progressing through the legislative process (Rubio). A mockery has been made of the rule of law as well as the separation of powers.

Congress must respond to this unconstitutional act. Enough is enough.

Samuel Adams had it right

It does not require a majority to prevail,

but rather an irate, tireless minority

keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.

Samuel Adams, American Patriot, 1722-1803

Which worldview will win?

In America, three worldviews are on a collision course to dominate the culture. Two are collectively mandated, one is individually voluntary. Two violate freedom of conscience, one honors it. Americans need to know the differences; Christians need to know the differences. Everyone needs to be able to recognize the incremental signs that move us towards each of these worldviews. That is what this mini-worldview weekend is all about. America needs to wake up and this event can help sound the alarm.

636.386.7722    www.stlteenteagles.org    teeneagles@gmail.com

Pastors and their families attend for free. Call for details.

This is a great opportunity to hear three wonderful speakers:

• Friday night, July 20, 7-9:30 pm – William  Federer:  Best-selling Author, Historian, Lecturer
• Saturday morning, July 21, 9:30-noon – Michael Cordner:  Researcher, Author, Lecturer
• Saturday afternoon, July 21, 1-3:30 pm – Daniel Ford:  Historian/Collector, Author, Lecturer