Veterans Day

Yesterday was Veterans Day.  I hope you had the chance to thank a veteran or current member of the armed forces.  Too often we as Americans take for granted, not only our freedoms but, the fact that people have and are willing to give their lives for our protection.  Think about that. Someone who doesn't even know you is willing to die for you and preserve the freedoms you cherish.  Whether or not you support the war in which we are engaged, please consider the men and women who are fighting in it.  They are defending your right to criticize the war (and even them).  Take a moment to contemplate what these men and women are fighting for, the liberties that have been preserved by the blood of our grandfathers, cousins, and neighbors.  Perhaps it will change your mind, perhaps you will write a letter to a veteran you know, hopefully you will remember to pray for our troops.  Ronald Reagan said, "Perhaps you and I have lived with this miracle far too long to be properly appreciative.  Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction.  It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.  Those who have known freedom and lost it have never known it again."

To Read

http://thehill.com/opinion/op-ed/124929-democrat-republican-make-case-for-middle-class-vote-on-election-day

Is Sara Palin the Reason so Many Women are Involved in the Tea Party Movement?

Actually, the answer is: taxed enough already. Women control the household accounts and we know when spending is unsustainable, threatening the very fabric of our families, or our country as the case may be. As one Tea Party rally sign aimed at big government succinctly put it, "My kid isn't your ATM." (article by Tammy Bruce, The Guardian)

Actually, I think that the answer is that women are easily swayed by emotion.  The Tea Party movement focuses on issues that hit close to home and affect all conservatives.  However, more often driven by logic, men are more apt to focus their efforts on involvement in the established Republican party.  All political issues are important and, in many ways, emotional.  Tea Partiers, especially women, must be careful to justify their emotion with logic.  Is there a good reason to have a Tea Party?  Perhaps.  I am not convinced, but I am not completely opposed.

In The World But Not Of It: Christians In Politics

Should Christians be involved in politics? Yes.  Each believer's involvement will differ; for some this means running for public office, for others this means being an informed citizen and actively voting.  Falling somewhere in between, I am interested in how politics affects everyday life and would like to work on a campaign someday.  I want to help make headlines, but not be the one in the headline.  In many Christian circles, politics are treated as either evil or too earthly.  True, governments are secular establishments that are easily corrupted.  However, we cannot avoid or ignore their significance to the world in which we have been placed.  American Christians have an even greater obligation to be politically active.  Our democratic Republic is a unique and precious gift from God.  This nation was founded like no other.  There is nothing like America anywhere else in history.  American government is of, by, and for the people.  This is a tremendous responsibility, but one we must embrace.  Some Christians reject political parties and affiliations.  This is because they fail to understand that politics is merely a system, and it is our responsibility to operate within it according to Scripture.  Remember, in John 17, Jesus does not ask the Father to take His people out of the world, but to protect us from evil. (V15) Also, Christians are called to "Go unto all the world," and Washington DC is part of this world.  (Matthew 28:19) I am a Christian before I am a Republican; however, I am a Republican because I am a Christian.  America operates on a two-party system.  Therefore, if I can align myself with a party without compromising my faith, I will have the greatest impact.  While many Christians and conservatives are currently doubting the GOP, I do not believe it is "time for a third party."  I will maintain my membership as long as my party maintains conservative views on primary issues, such as abortion.  Also, third parties rarely have success.  Therefore, the most practical and effective response is to become involved with the established Republican movement, doing two things: first, we must work to secure as many Republican victories as possible.  Second, we should address any secondary concerns and strive to bring the party back to its roots.  For the answers to today's tough political questions, Americans must look back to the Christian principles upon which our Nation was founded.  This founding is a special gift from God that we have tossed in the closet and forgotten.  God has blessed America, and I pray He continues to do so...and that He has a reason.

Journal Entry from Saturday, October 2, 2010

(The following is a summary of an entry composed last weekend when I was sick and had slept in late.)

Outside my window, the homecoming game is being played, cheered, and chanted.  After sleeping in till noon and feeling mildly better, I am contemplating heading down for the last half.  I was awakened by the parade sirens and, after grabbing a cup of coffee, climbed back into bed with my Bible.  As I began to read, the national anthem began to be sung down on the field.  Of course, I had to pause and listen to one of my favorite songs...When it was over and the crowd cheered on the start of the game, I was struck by how truly incredible the last few moments had been.  Here, at this small Christian school in the heart of the Midwest, a crowd had gathered for an afternoon of fun with family and friends.  Presumably, most in attendance would claim Jesus Christ as their savior and did not think twice about prayer before the game.  As the Anthem was sung, I wonder how many realized the freedom they were exercising at that moment.  Like Norman Rockwell's WWII posters, we are experiencing Freedom from Want, Fear, of Speech, and of Religion right here today.  To begin with this is an amazing gift from the Lord.  It is a privilege to be an American.  Also, we should not sing of the "land of the free and the home of the brave" lightly.  Many men have died for us to enjoy simple activities like reading our Bibles without fear.  I was struck by this simple blessing the other day when a friend and I stopped at a bench to pray on our way to chapel.  After an hour of leisurely walking, sharing our hearts, and sipping coffee, we paused for a few minutes before parting and prayed for each other.  Not only does much of the world not enjoy this liberty, but we were doubly blessed to be in a place where passersby were not even shocked to see us praying together.  Recently, I have been increasingly struck by the blessings of being a student here...I complain about prices and rules and so many other things that just don't matter in big scope of life.  What does matter is that I enjoy the freedom to study the Bible and other subjects I enjoy without fear of persecution or pain.  Therefore, I will strive to engage this privilege to the best of my ability.

Tea Party, Third Party?

Yesterday, on Rush Limbaugh's daily talk show, a caller claimed that if a Tea Party candidate is nominated for the 2012 presidential election, the GOP will become a third party.  I assert that if the "Tea Party" continues to grow and rise in prominence both it and the Grand Old Party will become secondary forces, leaving the Democrats in a primary position.  To truly be successful, Tea Party-ers must commit their time and energy to strengthening the Republican force not dividing it. 

Stealing from the Rich...Til They can Steal from the Poor Again.

In view of upcoming elections, Democrats cannot risk incurring more disapproval from the American people by allowing Bush's tax cuts to expire.  However, in true liberal fashion, they also cannot afford the lifestyle they have created for this country.  As a result, Democrats are attempting to stuff the ballot boxes and stuff their legislative wallet at the same time.  FOX News reports, "President Obama and other Democratic leaders are on record as wanting to extend former President George W. Bush's tax cuts only for households with incomes up to $250,000 a year.  The idea, they maintain, is to whack the rich with higher taxes in order to help pay down the government's debt."  As an average American who works hard and pays bills, I appreciate lower taxes.  However, I do not appreciate the misconception many have that wealthy people who work hard for their money deserve to pay more taxes.  If a millionaire earns an honest living, he has just as much right to his millions as I do to my hundreds.  For a party so bent on fairness, this Democratic policy just doesn't seem fair.

This short quote speaks volumes that I hope you will read & contemplate:

Ronald Reagan said, "Perhaps you and I have lived with this miracle too long to be properly appreciative.  Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction.  It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.  Those who have known freedom and lost it have never known it again."

Habits Which Lead to Political Prosperity

I only have a few minutes, so this first post will be very short...but incredibly sweet.  Last year, I discovered George Washington's farewell address, and it has become one of my favorite historical documents.  It includes profound truths and gives particular insight into the minds of our Founding Fathers.  Below are a few excerpts that I hope will make you want to look up the rest :)

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion adn morality are indespensable supports.  In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props fo the duties of Men and citizens."

"Towards the preservation of your Government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care the spirit of innovation upon its principles, however specious the pretexts.  One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown."

"The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible."

"I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy."