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?

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.

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.

American Irresponsibility

In a fallen world like ours, the default position for civil government is monarchial at best and despotic at worst. Man longs for liberty as is possible only in a democratic republic, but that liberty only comes with the commensurate responsibility of virtuous, individual self-government. When I say “default position,” what I mean is this: without responsible self-government and like representation, our republican form of government will not stand. Liberties will be lost, and there will be a gradual slide back into tyranny. This is what Franklin and others meant when they stated that a republic must be maintained by a virtuous citizenry–our form of government is “…a republic, IF you can keep it.” Americans cannot take back their government without a mature view and expression of  moral, individual self-government. Otherwise, to protect society, the “nanny state” must intervene. It already has. The question is, does America have it in her to grow up and take seriously her God-given responsibility? Can she “keep” the republic? This summer and fall will tell the tale.

Happy Birthday to my favorite President

George Washington…”first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

Although largely forgotten by most Americans, Washington’s “Farewell Address” is still remembered and read in its entirety on his birthday every year in the U.S. Senate. I encourage you to read his prophetic words as they speak to the great concerns of our country even in 2012. Washington’s protective ideals for America are a template for contemporary governmental reform. I challenge you to read his words and see if it is not so. If his message is read and heeded, I believe George Washington will be “first in the hearts of his countrymen” once again.

Link to George Washington’s Farewell Address

“We have a stewardship over a great inheritance”

Two great inspirational speeches from the CPAC conference going on in Washington DC this weekend:

No comments…just an Amen.

Thank a Vet

What we now call Veterans Day, was originally Armistice Day celebrating the official end of World War I on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 AM Paris time–historically remembered as 11-11-11–the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Today, 11/11/11, is a unique day of remembrance. Every American should take time to thank a vet and whisper a prayer of thanksgiving and dependence on the One whose providence has favored us and protected us through the centuries.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the Name of the LORD our God.
Psalm 20:7 

July 4, 2011…Still much work to do

The Libertarian Examiner is reporting on a poll that reveals only 42% of Americans know the year of America’s independence–1776. With younger people polled, the figure is worse. (Poll results)  We have much work to do.

This is the bold proclamation of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776:

 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their
creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

God, not government, endows us with rights. From our God-given right to Liberty comes:

Individual…

• Liberty of Conscience– (the right to our own opinions, beliefs and convictions)
• Religious Liberty– (the right to religious activity according to the convictions of conscience)
• Liberty of  Action– (the right of self-expression and protection– to speak our mind; peacefully assemble; bear  arms, etc.)
• Economic Liberty– (the right to acquire and control our own property)

Corporate…

• Civil (or political) Liberty– (the right to determine the form and process of our own civil government)

These individual and corporate liberties are precious to us as Americans because they were purchased and protected with the blood, sweat, and tears of our forefathers who committed to each other their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. The absolute least we can do is remember July 4, 1776 as well as those conflicts and wars where American lives were (and are) on the line to protect these liberties. Take some time on July 4 to remember and return thanks to God who superintends it all.

“One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all”

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12

Memorial Day

This will be a special summer for our family as we make a first-time “pilgrimage” back east to the Philadelphia and Boston area. Lord willing, we will stand where Lincoln delivered his Gettysburg Address, where the “shot heard round the world” was fired (Lexington to Concord), where they battled the elements at Valley Forge, and where over Fort McHenry the “bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” We will also visit the sites of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Boston Massacre, and those famous places where our revolutionary fathers not only pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor, but where many gave their last full measure of devotion. In years past, I have been moved at Arlington and Jefferson Barracks. A dream of a future trip is to walk the beaches of Normandy. Last night and today, I watched movies depicting Gen. Douglas MacArthur and other brave soldiers as well as brave Filipino partisans defending their homeland. I marveled at their focused devotion and the difficult and mortal sacrifices that were made. These as well as other places are what Memorial (“Decoration”) Day is all about. I can walk and talk freely today because of those who have defended my liberty with their own lives. We must never forget.

Today, we need a new birth of freedom in our beloved land. I believe that God births liberty in our hearts with His amazing grace. This grace is seen in the face of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave His blameless life so that we might live in liberty. That liberty is enshrined in our American history: it is thoroughly documented from Columbus to our pilgrim fathers, from fledgling colonial communities to to the halls of state and federal government. Our form of government will not survive without acknowledging it. We are one nation under God, and it is in God we trust. We must rededicate our “firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence.” Proverbs 3:5,6 admonishes us,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths

His direction and protection come as we acknowledge and trust Him. It is my prayer that God may continue to bless America.

My Favorite President

I frequently wear a lapel pin of my favorite president, General George Washington. Why? He is perhaps the greatest American who ever lived or will live. We celebrate his birthday today. In fact, this day is still a national holiday even though “President’s Day” has lumped them all into another generic Monday day off. Washington should still singly be remembered, though. Not only was he the first American President, but he set the presidential precedent and standard for all who followed. In spite of our

Henry Lee's funeral oration of Washington delivered to Congress on December 26, 1799

revisionist histories, there is so much extant data available that a cursory search would easily reveal the inadequacies of those “researchers” who would have us to believe Washington was an inconsistent, ordinary military man/farmer/slave owner of his day. The sheer weight of documented evidence certainly reveals the contrary. Guided by the hand of Providence, Washington lived, farmed, battled and politicked with grace, wisdom, courage, and magnanimity. His peers always spoke highly of his character as well as his presence. If you have ever read his farewell address, you would know of his great love and respect for his country as well as the prophetic foresight and counsel he offered. Although we celebrate his birth today, I would like to quote for his famous funeral eulogy by Henry Lee (father of Robert E. Lee):

First in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate and sincere—uniform, dignified and commanding—his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting. . . . Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues. . . . Such was the man for whom our nation mourns.

Would to God that our current leaders would be spoken of so highly and so reverently. Today, character is so easily overlooked while accolades and accomplishments replace the comments of integrity and virtuosity. Today, being a “character” is certainly more popular than possessing it.

Take some time today to thank God for our leaders who do show moral and spiritual integrity in their lives and who have the interests of others above their own self-interests. These kind of leaders are few and far between. We need more Washingtons and Lincolns who lead with solid convictions and Godly wisdom. Washington is truly “first in the heart of this countryman.”

2011: Living the American Dream

What is the American Dream? Before we can live it, we must first define it. Is there a Mexican or Canadian dream, a French or Japanese dream? I’ve never heard of anything other than the American Dream. Unlike other nations that point to their unique ancestral land, ruling class or ethnicity, shared history or religion, America has never derived her purpose and meaning from those things that have characterized other nationalities.

The American Dream is sometimes characterized as material prosperity (“a chicken in every pot”), or home ownership, or the land of opportunity. Certainly the American Dream is more than material gain or business success. There is something more that sets America apart and distinguishes her as an exception among the nations. America is exceptional because of what she stands for, not just because of what she does. America is certainly not perfect, but her ideals set the standard for not only our country, but all the world.

English writer and apologist G.K. Chesterton stated, “America is the only nation in the world that is founded on a creed.” America is an idea, a creed, and that is why there is an American Dream. Our creed and dream are born out of the Declaration of Independence which was written to “a candid world” subject to “the opinions of mankind.” The Declaration espouses ideas such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” and that “all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.” Notice these truths of equality are “self-evident” and apply to “all men,” not just all Americans. Jefferson called the Declaration “an expression of the American mind.” One’s mind is the stuff of which dreams are made. Our Pledge of Allegiance declares “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” These ideals are the stuff of which dreams are made. Our founding fathers knew that if this fledgling country would survive the war for independence, it would become a light to the rest of the world, even as the Statue of Liberty still symbolizes. Our dedication to these ideals bears a great responsibility for us to carry not only at home but abroad.

Finally, as we see in our Declaration creed, faith and freedom go hand-in-hand. Our inherent rights come from our Creator. In order for liberty to exist, there must also be a  moral faith. The term “creed” does have ecclesiastical overtones. Religious liberty is a hallmark of our republic, and with good reason. The Father of the Constitution, James Madison, once said:

“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

Faith is at the root of freedom and must be protected and nourished. These ideals are what real American’s desire, they are for what patriots live and die, and for what the signers of the Declaration committed their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. This is the dream of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, and Katherine Lee Bates:

O beautiful for patriot dream, That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam, Undimmed by human tears.
America! America! God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea.

I am praying that 2011 is the year that we Americans dream again and give expression to the ideals we hold so dearly and closely.  I am praying for a renewed reliance upon God, a spiritual awakening, and a rebirth of liberty. I am praying for America and for Americans that we live the American Dream once again.

Bottoms Up

The “top-down” structure of today’s political parties has run its course.  Smoke-filled back room deals will no longer satisfy the palate of an increasingly informed electorate.  I believe it is time for a “bottom-up” structural change. Now let me qualify what I mean by bottom-up.

Before that, let me first say that I do believe in representative forms of government at all levels.  An individual would have to be a full-time “vetter” to check out all the issues, all the incumbents and all the candidates in order to be fully informed before going to the polls to make a decision, besides expressing an informed opinion on all the current issues that come before elected officials. “We the people” need watchdogs to help with this process. (“The price of liberty IS eternal vigilance” as attributed to Jefferson, Curran and others.)

Now, by “bottom-up” I mean that we need good people at the top, who represent solid values ethically, morally and procedurally.  The time of party bosses, closed-door deals, seniority, and the like must come to an end. The time for principled politics (governance) in its purest form is now.  A procedural change in leadership is not enough, it must be a principled change in leadership. The whole party system must be overhauled and this reform must also work its way into the halls of Congress to release the current partisan stranglehold on procedures in both houses.  By “bottom-up” I mean the values and concerns of our moral heartland being represented in positions of authority and influence.  We are not a pure democracy, or “mob-ocracy” as our founders dubbed it.  We need representation (which is what a republic is), but that representation must represent someTHING not just someONE–not just representing people, but principle. Elected officials and party officials alike, must come from the same moral and values-driven stock.  We need God-fearing patriots who understand American ideals of governance like limited–really limited–government, decentralized authority, with an overall goal of protecting citizens rather than providing for them.  They must be of strong moral and ethical fiber and willing to stand up to the tide of progressivism.

I am not partisan and I am certainly no expert, but I am told the “two-party” system can be a healthy structure.  I am not thoroughly convinced of this.  George Washington did not think much of political parties and factions period.  I tend to agree, but on the other hand, the tumor has grown so large and pervasive in our collective political body that I am not sure we can survive with its surgical removal.  Only God knows.  For Christian believers, this must become a matter of concerted prayer and timely related action. Get inspired, get informed, then get involved!  Let’s make “bottoms up” a reality. If there ever was a time, it is now.