Unresponsive Government

This morning, “Save the Confluence” coalition casino opponents will not be allowed time on the agenda of the Missouri Gaming Commission meeting at St. Louis County Council chambers at 9:00 AM. The coalition is made up of a broad range of organizations and individuals representing moral, religious, environmental, and economic concerns regarding the building of a new casino in the Columbia Bottoms area in North St. Louis County, just south of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The St. Louis County Council has not listened to the people and has proceeded with the preliminaries for the new casino development, and now the MO Gaming Commission closes its ears to the concerns of the people. Government is not only unresponsive to public concerns, but is totally bent on a course counter to their wishes. This is very apparent from local to state to national levels. Enough is enough. They may be silenced in public meetings, but voters can speak in coming primaries and elections! It is time for citizens to reclaim all levels of government and for deaf, uninformed public servants to be retired from public life. To use Lincoln’s words, government of the people, by the people, and for the people needs a new birth of freedom in America. This is my prayer for America in 2010.

USA & Canada: A Lyrical Comparison

If you have been watching the Olympics, you have once again heard the national anthems of gold-laden athletes, some accompanied by robust singing and some not.  You know, I really didn’t think we had much in common with our northern neighbor, Canada, but when it comes to the lyrics, you might find it interesting that our national anthems parallel somewhat in the content of their several verses.  (But, I will have to give the French credit…their version of “O Canada” has more Christian references than the many Canadian revisions.)  Of course, I am certainly partial to America’s national anthem – especially the rest of the lyrics not typically sung, nor widely known, for that matter. I thought you might enjoy this short, interesting commentary on the subject from Focus on the Family’s Stuart Shepard:

http://www.citizenlink.org/Stoplight/A000012077.cfm

On 2010 Elections

This year, 2010, will be a year full of straw polls, primaries and elections. This is no year to mess around with partisan political games.  Our country, states, and local jurisdictions are in a heap of trouble. We need representatives at all levels who are citizens of character, conviction, and courage, whatever their party affiliation or lack thereof.  Voters MUST get informed on issues and candidates and then vote their values, not their pocketbooks or political persuasions.  That will take time and effort, but it is time and effort that must be spent.  American voter, you must decide what you believe , where you will take your stand, and how you will get involved in the issue and/or candidate process.  This is not a time to be silent.  It is a time to let your distinct voice be heard, not only for the sake of you and your family, but also for your neighbor.  Ask questions, write letters, support candidates, inform your family and friends.  Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” In our American Republic, the two intersect, so fulfill your Christian civic duty with confidence and conviction and let your voice be heard.  Our country depends on it. Our future depends on it. Our liberty depends on it.

“Select capable men from all the people–men who fear God,
trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain
— and appoint them as officials over thousands,
hundreds, fifties, and tens.”
-Jethro to Moses (Exodus 18:21 NIV)

“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote . . . that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”  -Samuel Adams, Founding Father

“The church must take right ground in regards to politics…The time has come for Christians to vote for honest men…God cannot sustain this free and blessed country, which we love and pray for, unless the Church will take right ground…Politics are a part of a religion in such a country as this, and Christians must do their duty to their country as a part of their duty to God…God will bless or curse this nation according to the course Christians take in politics.” -Charles Finney, 19th Century Evangelist

“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 government depends on the faithful discharge of this 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 citizens will be violated or disregarded. If a republican government fails to secure public prosperity and happiness, it must be because the citizens neglect the divine commands, and elect bad men to make and administer the laws. ” -Noah Webster, Founding Father

“Now more than ever the people are responsible for the character of their Congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.  If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature… [I]f the next centennial does not find us a great nation…it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces.” -James A. Garfield, U.S. President

“Impress upon children the truth that the exercise of the elective franchise is a social duty of as solemn a nature as man can be called to perform; that a man may not innocently trifle with his vote; that every elector is a trustee as well for others as himself and that every measure he supports has an important bearing on the interests of others as well as on his own.” -Daniel Webster,  19th Century Statesman

“The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.” -John F. Kennedy, U.S. President

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Merry Christmas from CCF!

The prophet Isaiah has given us a hope-filled word:

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them…For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Might God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.  The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.   (Isaiah 9:2,6,7)

This is the good news of Christmas! May you and your family experience the love and care of our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace–Jesus. O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

The City’s Road to Ruin

Today is a dark day. While memorial services are being held at Fort Hood, St. Louis is “celebrating” the opening of River City Casino Boulevard, a $23.8 million roadway paid for by Pinnacle Entertainment which will lead to the new $380 million casino development slated to open next spring.  (http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2009/11/09/daily14.html) Casino owner, Pinnacle, has paved the way for more family and economic devastation as local officials gloat over the economic impact of the road project. There is an interesting irony with this opening when, on its eve, Pinnacle CEO Daniel Lee resigned after publicly threatening a St. Louis County councilman. (A Missouri Gaming Commission investigation is underway as to the nature of those threats. http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2009/11/09/daily1.html?surround=lfn) I suppose Pinnacle is jealous over its St. Louis riverfront monopoly.  St. Louis is on the road to becoming another Atlantic City and perhaps even surpassing its per capita casino count. “Casino wars” may also become part of the ongoing saga as River City Casino and the potential Riverview casino battle for St. Louis headlines. Look how we are investing our dollars, time, and energy! The casino industry is dominating the business and news headlines as they battle for dominating the St. Louis market–and using billions in gambling losses to pay for it all.  Is it really worth the cost–economically and socially? Is St. Louis on the road to ruin?  Indeed it is a dark day.

The American Vision » We Need Watchmen to Sound the Alarm

In recent months, author Gary DeMar has been noticing how young families are taking action within their own circles of influence to return our nation to its founding principles. They’re learning that the place to start is in the home. They understand that to rebuild a nation a proper foundation must be laid. The leadership we have in Washington and in our state houses is a reflection of what we have in our homes. Change the family and you will change the nation. Read what the Head family is doing…(click on link)

The American Vision » We Need Watchmen to Sound the Alarm

A Courageous State Leader

The national news all too often highlights political leaders who do not represent the values of people of faith; consequently, many God-fearing citizens wrongly believe that few elected officials share our moral and religious convictions. But such a conclusion is wrong. There are literally hundreds of elected officials at the state level (and even scores in Congress) who do not only share but are outspoken about our Judeo-Christian values.

One such official is Rep. Sally Kern of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.  Rep. Kern recently introduced a Proclamation on Morality that was signed at the State Capitol by numerous elected officials and religious leaders.  Read it here from her website:

http://repsallykern.com/html/news_details.php?id=36

Pray for elected officials like Rep. Kern who will take a stand for morality and not be ashamed to quote our nation’s Christian heritage.

How To Take Back America Conference

September 25-26, 2009 in St. Louis, MO

What a successful and stimulating conference!  With distinctively spiritual overtones, prayer and action were the marching orders for over 600 attenders and 100,000 webcast viewers.  Eagle Forum, Faith2Action, American Family Association, and Liberty Counsel are to be commended for a practical, faith-affirming, and activating weekend. The church must now respond to the call to active duty in the civil arena.  “One nation under God” must now be lived out, shouted out, voted out, and planned out.  A new birth of freedom-loving Christian citizenship must spread throughout the land.  We must pray and work to that end.  It is now or never for this generation.  The spiritual battle lines have been drawn and the march is on.  It is not enough to stop tyrannical aggression, we must recover lost ground, strengthen the foundation, and rebuild the walls.  May the spirit of Nehemiah grip America’s spiritual leadership with sword and trowel in hand (Nehemiah 4:17) to lead the work that must be done.

Prayer and Due Diligence Regarding Health Care

While the President makes his case for health care reform, Americans need to remember that “the devil is in the details.”  Make sure the calculated and impassioned rhetoric does not impair wise discernment and sound judgment.  What a proposal does not say is just as important as what it does say.  Heath care accessibility and affordability are the two main issues and both are addressed by both parties in Congress.  How health care is made accessible and affordable is the real issue and it is there that the Democrats and Republicans are polar opposites.  There is no bipartisanship when it comes to the details.  Proposed legislation is virtually 100% Democrat while Republican proposals are shut out of the deliberation process. Since the Dems and their proposals are getting all the press, I encourage you to give some equal time to the GOP proposals on their website (http://healthcare.gop.gov) before you make any decisions or recommendations to a legislator. On the website, be sure and compare both Republican and Democrat plans by clicking on their respective headers. (Yes, it is a partisan webpage, but you exercise some personal “fairness doctrine” and do your homework.) It is one thing for the government to protect our  medical decisions, it is quite another for them to direct our decisions. To preserve our personal freedoms and our free market economy, Americans and their congress must take the time for the evaluation and recommendation process.  We cannot make a mistake on this issue. Historically, what Congress enacts takes on a life of its own and becomes virtually irrevocable.  We must get this right–and that takes time.  Be wary of those who press for immediate action on ill-conceived and unread proposals! Politics gets down and dirty at this point in the debate.  Let’s have a civil debate and let’s get it right! To the Congress: Do your homework and vote your values, not the party line.  To the people:  Let’s be civil, informed, and articulate. We live in the greatest country on earth.  With all her faults and foibles, America can be even greater, BUT, she will only be as great as the character of her people and institutions.  “Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters.” — Benjamin Franklin. In their hour of need, our founding fathers called for divine intervention, wisdom and discretion.   It is time for us to do the same.

POTUS: Educator-in-Chief?

I think most Americans would be hard pressed to know the party affiliation of our founding fathers and early presidents. Why? We don’t think of Washington, Adams, Jefferson, and the like, as “partisan presidents” but simply as patriots. Although most all of our presidents had strong party affiliations, it was the 20th Century that homogenized and then galvanized political parties into the extremes they are today. Parties and their platforms are diverse and legion, but our two-party dominated system has polarized the population today–not so much over the philosophical differences but the pragmatic ones. What works, not what is right or consistent with our constitution, is the theme of the day. Why do I share this historical observation? The presidency today is a totally partisan position. It is all about agenda, whether republican, democrat, or even a maverick version of either. However magnanimous or aloof it may wish to appear, the Office of the President always has an agenda and a portable partisan “bully pulpit” carried into any and every venue. Because of this reality, one cannot see or hear the President of the United States (POTUS) without a blue or red tint. In fact, for most Americans, our eyes may see a black, brown, yellow, red, or white president, but our ears hear red or blue. Partisanship has grown steroidal.

It is for this reason (and others) that I am not in favor of this president, or any seated president, addressing all the public school students of America. No matter what the topic, it will be viewed as red or blue, especially amidst today’s socialistic decrials (which connote an entirely different “red” hue). Actually, I believe there is an even more important reason than one of partisanship. Family and parental rights are totally undermined and misunderstood in our culture today. Parents have the inalienable responsibility of nurturing, protecting, and teaching their young. The laws of nature, and nature’s God are adamant in this regard. Suffice it to say that education is ultimately a parental duty and parents should never be bypassed for any reason and should always be notified and offered options. We won’t even get into any of the educational administration questions this whole issue raises. As far as I am concerned, parental rights and presidential politics are the “one-two” knock-out punch for any nationwide school address. POTUS or not, it is inappropriate as well as unprecedented.

The POTUS and his office staff should understand these ramifications. Inexperience is one thing and indoctrination is quite another. Let the reader decide which is the more accurate description.

Daniel Hite is president of FreeWay Foundation, parent organization of Christian Civic Foundation.  The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer, and not necessarily the position of the foundation.

PRAY FOR AMERICA

These are crucial days and American Christians need to be praying that liberty, justice, and wisdom will prevail as our national leaders convene back in Washington D.C., and our regional and local leaders attend to their duties.  Pray that they all will not just hear the voice of the people, but be led by the voice of God’s Spirit: “He has showed you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) Will we? Pray for America.

Charity: Not in the Constitution

A powerful article and principle that Americans and Christians must remember…

Charity: Not in the Constitution

Host Your Own Health Care Townhall Meeting

Churches and individuals are provided resources by the Family Research Council to host your own Health Care Townhall meeting to inform your congregation and community.  You need to act quickly!  Everything you need is in this downloadable packet.

FRC website link to download packet:

http://www.frcaction.org/get.cfm?i=AL09H05&f=

PDF Packet itself (be sure and check it for active links to resources):

FRC Townhall Meeting Packet

St. Louis Churches Say “CasiNO!”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch ran a front page, headliner story on 8/20/09 regarding the mounting “religious” opposition to the proposed casino in St. Louis County. The opposing forces are diverse and the Christian community is part of it!  Read the story:

“Churches Fervent in Casino Fight”

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/religion/story/8CC57F5B293AA8B7862576180005D58F?OpenDocument