America Needs You

Wisdom for the Future, from the Past

 

Watchmen On the Wall

http://www.watchmenpastors.org/

Your Right, Your Responsibility

Because Liberty Is Dear

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?

Because liberty is dear to me, I will contend for the candidate who protects it not only with his rhetoric but his actions as well. No matter what the office, give me liberty minded people who know its worth, its cost, and the path to its defense. Whether it is the office of Dog Catcher or President of the United States, liberty must be understood and liberty must be cherished. Why? It serves the public good. It raises the level of any form of service to that of patriot and guardian of our God-given rights. It purifies our motives and clarifies our dreams. It is worth dying for as well as worth living for.

Liberty is a gift from God. He has designed us to live and move and have our being in it. Our liberty is what our Savior died for. Liberty is religious, liberty is spiritual and physical. Liberty is internal and external; it governs the mind and the body, our thoughts and our actions. It is civil and political, and economic. Liberty should be expressed in all I do and say. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s salvation and deliverance is to rescue us from bondage, the bondage of sin, and to bring us into liberty as children of God–to free us from sin and its affects–to change us and cause us to stand fast in the liberty for which Christ has set us free. This is why famous French historian and philosopher, Alexis de Tocqueville, who had visited America to find the source of its success, made this statement about America nearly 200 years ago:

The Americans combine the notions of Christianity and of liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive the one without the other; and with them this conviction does not spring from that barren, traditionary faith which seems to vegetate rather than to live in the soul. (Democracy in America, Chapter 17)

Our love for Christ and His liberty should thrive in our soul! For the Christian, America should be the closest thing to heaven on earth. For the unbeliever, America is like no other place on earth because of what it has historically valued and protected from its inception…liberty through justice and order.

And when liberty is abused or threatened, the lover of liberty (both Christian and not) must act, not only in his own defense but also the defense of others. Its loss is too precious, too dear, and too costly to ignore.

Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death! (Patrick Henry)

For the astute, this position may be called “libertarian” or “liberal” (in the classic sense). But it cannot be denied that liberty is of Judeo-Christian origin. And for those who choose to ignore that fact, it certainly cannot be denied that the notion is American and naturally human. For it is “the laws of nature and nature’s God” that declare it!

When I find a candidate, for any position, who genuinely understands and articulates God-given liberty and its expression in his desired position, he will be what I am looking for in that office. Without it, we have only politicians. With it, we have patriots. Liberty–as it is emblazoned on our currency and hallowed stone, may it be so on our hearts.

America! America! God mend thine ev’ry flaw
Confirm thy soul in self-control, thy liberty in law

God, please bless America once again with leaders and lovers of liberty.

Remember

The Bible has much to say about remembering:  the exodus, the feasts including Passover, the covenants, moments of deliverance and moments of judgment. God has blessed us with memory for a reason. This is what makes history so important.

America has marked out many historical events to remember, one of which we call to mind today, December 7th, a day which will live in infamy. Take seven minutes to listen to FDR’s Congressional address and watch some stirring pictures that will cause us to drop to our knees and thank God for the freedoms we possess and those who put their lives on the line to protect.

Civility in America 2012

MO Legislators Seek to Strengthen Enforcement of Drunk Driving Laws

Here is an excellent recap of DWI enforcement efforts in Missouri from Joe Ortwerth, Exec. Dir. of Missouri Family Policy Council

http://www.missourifamily.org/weekly/2010/04_12_10.htm

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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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