Never Forget! Always Vigilant!

by Troy Dameron

On a warm July evening in 1741, a large crowd had gathered in the Congregational meetinghouse in Enfield, Connecticut. This group did not seem worshipful, and in fact they were quite restless, irreverent, and thoughtless. To some these “worshippers” appeared to be there only for entertainment. Others were there out of curiosity, and some were there out of sincere piety. Whatever motives for the cramped worshippers attendance, there was unanimous consensus on the person they had crowded together to listen to – Jonathan Edwards.

The “Great Awakening”, the first great spiritual revival in America, was beginning to light a spiritual fire in the colonists. It had been over 130 years since the first settlers arrived in Jamestown, and a century since the “Great Migrations” that began with the Pilgrim separatists and later the Puritans brought Christianity to the shores of America. But as the colonies grew many of the spiritual leaders began to be concerned that America’s founding faith was irresolute. The trappings and temptations of a progressive society’s prosperity and security had turned the colony’s vibrant faith lukewarm. The frontier was infamous for its rowdy lifestyle. For the social elites, Deism was in vogue. The squalor of the inner city slums fostered worldly indifference. Colony life in the 1700s in all appearances seemed to be drifting aimlessly away from their founding faith.

Pastors throughout the Colonies lamented over the decline and demise of religion in light of the rapidly transforming social circumstances. People had become “careless at heart and stupidly indifferent” when it came to matters of faith. The distinctive differences between church and the secular world were disappearing. Church discipline had become neglected, and a persistent moral laziness “invaded” the church. It was Jonathan Edwards and many other noted pastors and revivalist, especially George Whitefield, during this time that “awakened” the God-Fearing citizens of America to a renewal and restoration of their faith. Biblical faith was re-ignited and its effects lasted for decades, stirring in the colonial hearts for three generations a faith that firmly believed in the Christ who was, who is, and who always will be the Lord of Liberty.

I have been studying very diligently the role of the Judeo-Christian faith and its influence in Colonial America these past few months. As a pastor, theologian, and historian I have always held that America was founded on biblical principles, and that the ONLY and TRUE solution to the dilemmas we are now facing is for Christians to submit to God. However, the modern church and Christians have fundamentally failed in their duties to uphold these traditions in our society. We have allowed the misquoted, so-called “separation” doctrine to effectively silence our vital role as the ambassadors of Christ’s blessing to not only each other but to the world. When I see this president bowing before foreign leaders, and paying homage to a foreign religion and god, I am dismayed not at him, but at my fellow Christian brothers and sisters (including myself), for not upholding our end of responsibility when it comes to being a “light set on a hill.” It is NOT the politicians who have let us down, WE, the Christian believers in God, have permitted this radicalism through indifference, fear, and quite possibly unbelief.

To my fellow believers, WE have been entrusted by God to be the standard bearers of his LIBERTY and FREEDOM in this country. WE have been given the “talent” of INALIENABLE RIGHTS that we are to nurture and produce an increase, and WE will be judged according to what WE have done with these gifts. WE must turn to God through His Son, Jesus Christ, imploring his Holy Spirit to “fan the flames” of a great spiritual awakening in this country once again. WE must also confess to never again stray from His ways, and pass this legacy of independence on to our posterity. WE must repent of our irreverent lack of vigilance, faith, and confidence in Him to lead this country HE founded on our behalf. WE must resolutely demand of our spiritual leaders and churches to once again assume the roles they held in early America that led us to forsake all for the cause of freedom. Lastly, WE must allow our God to go before us into battle. For this battle cannot be won with crafty arguments, protests, and transfers of political power in Washington. This battle will be won through the FUNDAMENTAL TRANSFORMATION in the hearts and minds of Christian men and women – FIRST!

For my fellow conservative, progressive, Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, liberal, and/or independent friends who are either non-believers, atheists, or of a different faith, understand this message is not directed towards you. However, the evidence is overwhelming that this country was profoundly and irreversibly shaped by Christian thought that was lived out in the lives of most colonial Americans. WE have let you all down, by not remaining faithful to upholding Biblical Law and the moral principles of our God. Our Founding Fathers clearly believed that the key to America retaining its rights, freedoms, and liberties rested squarely on the shoulders of its abiding faith community, i.e. the Church. My point is to call the Church and all who call themselves “Christian” to renew and ignite their faith in Christ for the sake of this country. For WE know and confess that the “Higher Law” which WE serve has appointed us to be the guardians of His rights, liberties, and freedoms which were and are intended to give man life in abundance. My prayer is that good Christian men and women will turn to God in humble submission, avoiding all trifling speech and violence, making supplication to God through prayer and fasting on behalf of this country. WE have a great multitude of witnesses who have preceded us and are a steadfast example which WE are to model. Our Founding Fathers turned to God for guidance and direction during the establishment of this land. Let us no longer be “lukewarm,” indifferent, and “stupidly” careless at heart. Instead, through faith, may WE stir up a fire of true restoration and reform in this nation. If WE will turn to God once again, He will act on our behalf, thus securing the precious gift He gave us in liberty.

*Follow-Up: This is my response to the message above to an individual on a different website.

Shalom aleichem! (שָׁלוֹם עֲלֵיכֶם) Peace be with you, upon you, and your household! As I wrote in my exhortation to my Christian brothers and sisters, those who don’t believe or are antagonistic to this message it was NOT intended for them. Therefore, I do not expect you to understand or accept what I wrote, and that is ok. I had a very specific target audience in mind and those words were specifically intended for those who are Christ-followers. But for those who would seek to silence my input and attempt to segregate my faith from my life outside the walls of the church or my household, I will not be silent! So I respect your right to disagree with me, and I value your remarks. However, I will not give rebuttal as I am sure others do plenty of that. My sole purpose and the message I am to deliver has been made clear to me by God, and demonstrated through the example of the Founders, and I will not stray from it. Through my studies and my personal convictions, I have come to the conclusion, based upon the writings of Benjamin Franklin, that I will no longer engage in trifling banter which leads nowhere and does not promote understanding. Rather, I will hold myself personally accountable for living according to my Christian heritage, which in turn will make me a better citizen of this country. I will also exhort my fellow Christian brothers and sisters to do the same. I hold Christians to a higher level of responsibility and accountability in their words, deeds, and actions than I do you. That is why I am calling Christians to turn to their faith in Christ Jesus FIRST. Learn and abide in the Higher Law of God’s Word and against this there can be no greater law!

You mentioned in your other rebuttal, that you are a Jew (your Bar Mitzvah in Spain?), so we share something in common – Adonai. The only difference between you and I regarding religious belief is that I believe somebody showed up, if you know what I mean. So if I only glean from the Torah or Talmud, Adonai has provided for me a clear road map that I am to follow. First of all I believe that Adonai is the TRUTH, and that He alone created and sustains the universe and all that is within His creation. Second, I will worship, study, and abide by His Law which was given to Moses. Against God’s Law, there is no higher law. Third, since I believe Adonai’s Holy Word in faith, as Abraham believed in faith, that is credited to me as righteousness as well. Fourth, since I believe in faith, study and abide by Adonai’s Higher Law, then I know by the examples provided to me in the Torah and Talmud, that it is Adonai alone who goes before me into battle and will be victorious. All I must do is be faithful to Adonai for the victory has already been won!

Therefore, there is no longer any need to do all this senseless banter, and I do not need fear the outcome. What I must do, and what I am specifically exhorting my fellow Christians is to transform our ways and model our lives in compliance with what Christ would have us to do. I understand there are many who read this who do not share this view, including some Christians, and that’s ok. As long as Right Scoop permits me to encourage those of Christian faith to let God go before us in this battle, and I will use “original source” documentation to verify my research regarding the true historical evidence of many Founders abiding Christian faith, then I will continue to post.

The Talmud and New Testament declare that it is Adonai who establishes and removes rulers and nations from power (Daniel 2:21; Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 67:4; Romans 13:1; John 19:10 – 11). The only prayer that I have for our country is that those who are in power will humble themselves before Adonai’s Law, and rule according to His kesed love (חסד Hebrew for royal, loving-kindness, and is itself a primary Mitzvah). The Israel of the Talmud proved this. When Israel allowed Adonai to lead and they were obedient to His Law they remained in their land (ארץ ישראל Eretz Yisrael). When the Jews did not, Adonai permitted the land to be removed from them. I could go on. But in the same measure, our Founding Fathers clearly believed that the land of America was granted and established to them by this same God. They clearly identified themselves as being like the Jews in the Exodus, and they fashioned an early seal depicting Moses, the Red Sea, and the pillar of fire. This is fact. So, I will exhort those of like-mindedness as mine to turn to this God-Adonai, whose name is above all names (יהוה YHWH), the Great “I Am that I Am” (אהיה אשר אהיה‎, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh), the One “who was-and is-and is to come”, Jesus – the “Alpha and Omega”, for in Him alone we will find deliverance. “Anyone who has an ear better listen.”

“For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and I will thwart the cleverness of the intelligent.” Where is the wise man? Where is the expert in the Mosaic law? Where is the debater of this age? Has God not made the wisdom of the world foolish? For since in the wisdom of God the world by its wisdom did not know God, God was pleased to save those who believe by the foolishness of preaching. For Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks ask for wisdom, but we preach about a crucified Christ, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

The Constitution can only protect the public, to the extent that the public defends the Constitution

Our own government has become our enemy and is taking us to court at a time when we need help

Sheriff of Penal County, Arizona, Paul Babeu

The purpose of this essay is to document the American invasion of illegal immigrants from Mexico, comparing this event to the similar barbarian invasions that eventually contributed to the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. From the third to fifth centuries AD, Europe was invaded by the barbarians of Germanic and later the Huns, Slavs and Magyars decent. Population growth simply forced the expansion of these ethnic groups. As a result there were limited options for the Western Germanics: One, the conquest of new territories beyond their existing borders. Two, formation of an agrarian society to feed the growing population. Three, clearing of forest to provide pasture lands for livestock. The most difficult of these three would be the conquering of lands beyond their existing borders.

The Western Germanic tribes faced a territorial crisis with the Roman Empire. In contrast to the Eastern Germanic peoples who had plenty of migratory land for expansion to the East, the Western Germanics had no room for their population growth to the West or South due to the effective border defense by the Roman Empire. Thus, sandwiched between the Eastern Germanic (Scandinavian, Goths) and Roman groups, the Western Germanic people turned to agriculture.

The initial threat to the Roman Empire did not come from the Western Germanic tribes, but from the Eastern Germanic groups, particularly the Goths. The Roman Empire during the early part of the third century AD witnessed a particularly weak succession of emperors, and were facing particularly strong opposition from the Persian Empire (modern day Iran, Iraq, Armenia). With the Roman Empire’s resources depleted, the Goths seized the opportunity to challenge Rome for territories in what is now modern Romania. Later, Emperor Constantine entered into a treaty with the Visigoths, who as allies agreed to defend the Roman Empire. Essentially through migration, expansion, and alliances, the Gothic tribes eventually came to surround Rome itself from Spain, Southern France, and Italy. The Vandals invaded by crossing the Strait of Gibraltar, and later Roman Emperors employed tribes who spoke the Iranian language to defend their borders in Southern France against Celtic and other Germanic invaders.

These “invasions” brought many challenges to a struggling Roman Empire. The cost of defending the Empire’s borders came at a heavy economical and military price. The necessary and essential task of gathering recruits to serve in the military, and the funds to keep a military machine supplied and operating threatened to collapse the Empire. Most Roman men at the time were not physically fit enough to fend against the barbarian invaders. In addition, the Romans were too “civilized” to effectively cope with the “uncivilized” barbarians.

In order to meet the demand for an effective military force, both the Eastern and Western Roman Empires turned to the mountainous region of the Balkan Peninsula, which led to rising tensions between the two realms of the Empire. Initially the Germanic barbarians were prohibited from serving in the Roman armies. Over time the Empire came to realize that the only match for the invading barbarians was to recruit barbarian soldiers willing to defend the Roman Empire. The Germans became the strength of the Western Roman forces, eventually commanding Roman troops. For the Western Empire, this presented a major organizational problem in governing. Power had come to reside in the German commanders of the Army. However, because of their ancestry they were excluded from the higher positions of authority in civil government.

Rather than a literal “fall,” the gradual demise of the Roman Empire might better be understood as a gradual and complex “transformation.” These slow but steady cultural dilutions involving political, military, religious, and other social institutions took place over many centuries, until eventually the essence of what the Roman Empire stood for collapsed upon itself. The barbarians who came to live within the Empire as resident aliens, progressively “pushed” themselves by sheer numbers into the fabric of Roman society. The Roman Empire had become a nation of immigrants. By the time of the Fall of Rome, the Empire itself had become “multicultural.” The veil of Roman civilization was transformed to the extent that it was more an “illusion” than reality. For instance, with the massive influx of Germanic tribes, it was no longer reasonable to expect that all Roman citizens could or even desired to speak Latin. Furthermore, no longer could Roman Emperors lay claim to historical Roman lineage, when for generations Spaniards and North Africans had held power. The barbarians came to be the Roman Empire, particularly the military commanders who had successfully defended the Empire against foreign invaders. Rome became by default the world’s first “globalized” civilization. Although there was no longer Roman political authority in the West, the lone superpower in the known world at the time, Roman culture and ideals would live well beyond its fall. Rome’s immoderate greatness caused its collapse, marking the end of the Ancient Era and plunged Europe into the Middle Ages.

How does the Fall of the Roman Empire compare with the current illegal immigration taking place on the border between America and Mexico? First, there is a literal invasion of illegal “refugees” taking place along the nearly two thousand mile border. A sub-set of these individuals are only seeking work in order to feed their families. They, like the barbarians who migrated into Roman lands in exchange for asylum, are presenting challenges to American culture. More radical Hispanic activists groups seek the re-conquest of the Southwestern part of the United States for Mexico which was lost in the wars of the mid 1800s. There is great wealth in natural resources and industry in this region of the United States. California is the nation’s largest economy by state, and the eighth largest economy in the world. The re-conquering of this state alone would elevate the political clout of Mexico considerably (and that is an understatement). Differing opinions would suggest that the Mexican government encourages illegal immigration, thus exporting its burden in supporting and maintaining an impoverished, underemployed, uneducated population to the U.S. Irregardless, the massive influx of illegal immigrants from Mexico poses a significant challenge economically, socially, politically, and militarily.

Illegal immigrants do not seek to inculcate the American culture since they are primarily here for seasonal employment. These individuals travel back and forth across the American/Mexican border indiscriminately and with impunity. In fact, illegal immigrants pose a greater risk to America than the barbarians did to Rome! At least the barbarians who sought and were granted asylum within the Empire were willing to defend it against invaders. There is absolutely no allegiance sworn to America by illegal immigrants, thus they have no vested interest in defending or assimilating into this country.

Even if the exportation of illegal immigrants by Mexico is only an “economic scam” by the Mexican government, the economic burden placed on America is staggering. In California alone, the economic impact to taxpayers in educating, healthcare, and incarceration of illegal aliens costs $10.5 billion a year! In a state whose estimated budget deficit for 2010 is approximately $26.3 billion, that means nearly 40% of the state’s budget deficit goes to covering the costs incurred through illegal immigration! Rome collapsed under the economic burden of maintaining an army of immigrants, because its citizenry was incapable or unwilling to defend the Empire. It is hard to imagine individual states, let alone the federal government can sustain such long-term and on-going siphoning of the economy that supports and perpetuates illegal immigration.
Perhaps the greatest threat to America in the border war with Mexico is the substantial increase in drug violence associated with the cartels that cascade drugs across the border virtually unimpeded. Murders and political assassinations are a common place occurrence in the border towns, with tens of thousands killed in the on-going battle between the Mexican government and the cartels. The violence has even spread across the border with innocent farmers murdered, and Phoenix Arizona boasting the second highest kidnapping rate in the world! Terrorist are also using the relatively unsecured border to plot attacks against the United States. Somalia-based, Al Shabaab, a terrorist group aligned with Al Qaeda, has made known its intent to harm America. The Department of Homeland Security has warned Texas authorities to be on the watch for suspected members of this group.

As is clear, the issue of illegal immigration extends beyond the migrant worker, who though coming here illegally, just want to earn money and provide for their families. There is a real and present danger that exists at our border that leaves America and Americans exposed to great harm. This is not a new issue, the problem has been building and escalating for decades. What is most troubling is the division that has occurred between the current administration and Arizona over this state’s passage of SB 1070, and other states hostile response to Arizona as well. Some states are even going so far as to express support for Mexico against a fellow member of the United States.

Just like Rome, America is becoming victim to its own perceived greatness. Like the Roman men who were incapable and unwilling to defend the Empire because they lacked the physical capacity, and a moral egotism that falsely elevated them above the uncivilized barbarians, the American government has clearly demonstrated an a lack of fortitude and courage to effectively regulate a closed border thereby shutting the door to illegal immigration. Rather than restraining illegal immigration and mandating a secure border the Federal Government literally welcomes the “illegal masses” through an unsecure border and impotent immigration policy. Like the Romans did in welcoming the Goths thus sealing the fate of the Empire, America’s fate too will be certain if we do not learn from this vital lesson in history. However, should we decide to ignore the example of Rome, the inevitable decline of America will most likely not come through the barrel of gun. Instead the veil of the American “ideal” will die a rather slow, progressive termination as its social, political, judicial, military, and economic policies that once made it exceptional, are merged with foreign and outside influences. What we are currently witnessing is one of those periods of transformation in our society. The rapidity and violence of this change will be commensurate to the American public’s reaction to this revolution, and its willingness to resist. Not only can we halt our decline, but we can literally break this pattern witnessed in history thus preserving the strength, integrity, and vitality of the great country. But we must mandate that our government secure the borders, stop illegal immigration, and provide for the appropriate integration of legal immigration to those who want to come and be part of this society.

Here is what concerns me regarding the “fundamental transformation” that is currently taking place in America. Since the end of the Reagan era in 1988, there have been essentially three primary political administrations, the Clinton era (1992 – 2000); the Bush era (2000-2008); and the Obama period (2008 – present). Note, I do not include the 1st Bush, George H., as I consider his administration basically a shadow of Reagan’s. So, if we consider these three primary administrations there is one factor that predominates: all three presidents, are progressive in their agendas. All three sought to increase the role and influence of government in the lives of Americans. Clinton was only thwarted in his attempts by the “Republican Revolution of 1994.” George W. Bush, through national crisis, put in place the “Patriot Act”, arguably for national security – but the policy remains. And, in the economic crisis that mired Bush’s final four years of office he was, forced to abandon “free-market principles to save the free-market system.” Obama building on what Bush established, has radically expanded the scale, scope, and size of government, with no intent on rescinding intrusive policies that have fundamentally transformed and shifted the American Republic closer than anytime in this nation’s history towards European socialism, which is precisely the Progressive paradigm.

But I see alarming indicators that as this president has not only seized unparalleled and unconstitutional powers for the Executive Branch of government, his agenda may in fact lead us closer to some form of Marxist dictatorship. I hope I am wrong here, but what if there is a significant world or American crisis, much more severe than 9-11 occurred (i.e. Iran dumps a nuclear bomb plunging the Middle East into a full scale war, or a total collapse of the American and world economies)? Remember, FDR’s unprecedented third and fourth terms of office were “justified” due to the crisis of leadership during WW II. Even though we have a Constitutional admendment preventing a president from serving more than two terms, we are witnessing the “fundamental transformation” of this country from a Constitutional Republic, based largely on the belief that our Constitution is outdated and obsolete for a 21st century America. So I think all bets are off on this.

Secondly, if Conservatives and Constitutionalists (which I consider myself) believe that the Progressives, Socialist, and yes Marxist/Communist who have grown in power and influence over the past twenty years are just going to suddenly say, “oh, we get it, we are wrong, we’re sorry, we won’t do it again,” WAKE UP! These groups and individuals have absolutely zero intention of willingly letting go of the reigns of power in this country – they’re in control! And if you think that voting out the “bums” who are currently running this country is going to radically shift the balance of power towards a more Constitutional Republic – think again!

Americans are essentially divided population wise in regards to political ideology similar to the conditions that existed prior to American Revolution. Roughly (these are loose percentages) 1/3 are Conservative/Constitutionalist/Libertarian/Republican, another 1/3 is Progressive/Socialist, Marxist/Democrat, and the other 1/3 falls in the Independent and non-ininvolved. We are in an ideological war right now in this country, and the mounting social, political, and economic pressures we are faced with could easily turn this ideological war into something much worse, something I am extremely hesistant to say even writing this. The climate is right for civil unrest in this country. Like the atmosphere that led up to the American Revolution, and the defining separation of North and South in our Civil War, can we escape a similar fate? Can Conservatives and Progressives live in harmony in this country? Is there any way to mediate a solution that is acceptable to both? One side cries out for restoration, the other transformation. The battle lines are clearly drawn.

As a Christian I hope and pray that we can somehow find avenues that will once again unite us as a country and not divide us to the point of disjointing, plunging us into civil war or a violent revolutionary attempt to take the reigns of power. I try to remain optimistic, but the more I see our country heading down the road towards Socialism or worse a Marxist dictatorship, I am led to conclude that a peaceful conclusion may not be possible for us – I truly hope I am wrong.

I have sensed the winds of change blowing in this country for over six years now. I believe we are on the leading edge of a storm of hurricane proportions in this country that will shake it to its very foundations, and the outcome is not clear at the moment. I would like to believe that liberty and freedom will prevail, but I am no longer certain. Why? Because I have come to seriously question the majority of American’s resolve to do the things necessary to preserve our Republic. I am not trying to be fatalistic, or on some end-times prophecy thing. I am a historian who has studied world history extensively, and the trends I see literally exploding in this country ARE revolutionary and are attempting to change the very fabric we have come to know as freedom. Again, I desperately hope I am wrong. When you’re in the midst of the storm it is hard to know which direction the tempest will blow, and whether your shelter is adequate to keep one safe. I only have my faith in God, and an abiding optimism that He will bring restoration and peace.

I want our country to be united, which it clearly is no longer. I believe both sides of the political coin are at fault for this. And we as citizens share in that blame for allowing these circumstances to occur and grow to such proportions. We have two very distinct and divergent philosophical world views that are engaged in ideological warfare (let’s pray that it doesn’t escalate further), and most of us Americans are caught somewhere in the middle. For myself, I don’t have to be right, I just want to be heard, just as I want those who hold different views to be heard too. This is what made our country great and will keep our country strong. But, when one side or the other attempts to stifle dialog, surpress opinions, limit speech, etc. then we are no longer that great society and will become something worse. In essence, we need each other, both right and left, this is vital and essential. Our system of liberty and governance depends on it.

I am not a conservative or a Republican as much as I am a Constitutionalist. When I served my country (many years ago now) I took an oath to uphold and defend that great document. When I finished my time of service I don’t ever remember being released from that oath, so I still stand, ever-vigilant, as a guardian of those things which brave women and men before me, many who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we experience today stood in harms way for. I do what I do to honor them. I am a voice that seeks understanding. I am not racist, I am not violent, I have just chosen to no longer to remain silent. And, I question everything with boldness, do my own research, form my own opinions based upon credible research, not rely on anybody else, or expect anything from anybody else.

America is going to be brought to terms of decision very soon regarding the future governance of this country. One way leads to freedom and liberty, but expects individual responsibility and vigilance to uphold thoses freedoms. The other way provides for all your needs at the cost of unquestioned loyalty to the state. I have stood in defense of one system and fought against the other to free people from tryanny and opression. I pray that we choose liberty.

I’ve been saying this for several months now, and I believe we are on the leading edge of a developing storm of unrest in America. I have called this the summer of discontent and advised to keep vigilant because there are a lot of powder kegs ready to explode in this country, and this president and his administration are not doing anything to stop the momentum, and they are waiting for the right crisis/emergency to seize power & control unlike anything we’ve witnessed in our liftetime and perhaps in American history. I will extend the timeline up and to the very day of the elections in November.

I have also stated that the number of aligning cutural/sociological/political circumstances rivals those (and I would posit exceeds) what we witessed in the 60s and early 70s. I can’t tell you which one will be the “tipping” event, and I hate being a doom-sayer, but if this administration does not act to diffuse the growing climate of unrest – well, it’s not going to be good. But I have concerns that this is precisely what the president and his legion of minions have been biding their time waiting for. The pieces are all in place,the only thing that is lacking is an event or action which triggers a profound transformation in the government.

Here is but a short list of aligning events, any one of which could result in civil unrest:
1. Pending Elections in November
2. Healthcare
3. Immigration
4. Recession (including recent financial reform)
5. Gulf Oil Crisis
6. European Unrest (Greece, etc.)
7. Lingering wars in Iraq & Afghanistan
8. Increasing racial tensions between whites, blacks, hispanics, teaparty vs. progressives, etc.
9. Inflamed emotions from proposed Mosque close to 9/11 site, thus creating religious tensions with Muslims
10. California Economy (I use this, because as California goes this impacts the nation)
11. Increasing division between Americans themselves.
12. Unions and their influence in “public” jobs (Watch New Jersey & Gov. Christie on this one. Also California)
13. Net nutrality
14. Cap & Trade (although apparently dead)
15. Finance Reform
16. Student Loans & Education

Any one of these situations, and even more than what I’ve listed here could be the spark that ignites unrest. Imagine what could be the result if there were several of these issues grow into emergency/crisis status all at the same time. It’s happened before, we should not ignore the past. Like Beck, I just want us to remain vigilant and avoid reacting (over-reacting), thus giving the left and hostile groups any source to validate their false claims.

Please keep vigilant and remain peaceful, and hold on – this is going to be a rough ride, and it’s just getting started.

Men are so simple, and so subject to present necessities, that he who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived.

Niccolo Machiavelli – The Prince

]]> http://1person1voice1vote.wordpress.com/2010/06/20/305/feed/ 0 1person1voice1vote Niccolo Machiavelli http://1person1voice1vote.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/freedom-is-never-free/ http://1person1voice1vote.wordpress.com/2010/06/19/freedom-is-never-free/#comments Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:10:35 +0000 1person1voice1vote http://1person1voice1vote.wordpress.com/?p=299 ]]> by Troy Dameron

Lately I have been thinking a lot about freedom, and I have grave concerns long-term about the preservation of liberties and freedoms we currently experience in this country. I want to have confidence in our youth, in my children and now grandchildren, that they will uphold the principles many of us (older now) hold dearly, but I am not sure of their resolve to the principle that what was created in America on July 4, 1776 was truly EXCEPTIONAL (they have not been taught this in school – in fact just the opposite).

I have never been in favor of the draft into military service, but let me tell you if it wasn’t for “duty, honor, and country” and the brave men and women who serve and have a sense of what freedom truly means, where would we be? I can’t help but wonder what a better society we would have if young people had to serve a minimum of two years in service to this country. Boot camp I remember was hell, but I learned more in those twelve weeks about myself, developed a deeper love for this country, and taking personal responsibility for my actions, than anything else I have done in my life. There are many things that can be taken from a man (or woman) in life, but the values, sacrifices, and accomplishments achieved in service to one’s country can NEVER be stripped from him (or her).

What really is keeping us from descending into tyranny and despotism? Like an infection that has spread throughout the body, socialism, Marxism, and now Islamic influence is infecting every facet of the body of America. This country has a grave illness, and I have doubts that if the American people vote in November to remove many “incumbents” that things are going to just suddenly be right again. Just look at the corruption we’ve witnessed taking place in our government (both Democrat & Republican) this week alone! We have to change our own hearts before we can change and restore our government!

Our founding fathers were so wise in their formulations for the expression and living out of the unalienable rights which were granted to us by God not the government. BUT, freedom and all the liberties & rights came with certain obligations, duties, and responsibilities. Otherwise, and the founders clearly stated (and warned) time and again, that citizens who did not remain vigilant in the CAUSE of liberty would find their freedoms stripped from them and ultimately shackled with the chains of tyranny.

Here’s the problem I fear, too many Americans have become too complacent IN their freedoms and their abuse of so-called “rights”. Rather than living by a sense of duty, moral obligation, and responsibility, we see a large segment of American society that demands entitilements, are enslaved by debt (that can never be paid back), and have lost (or become insensitive to) any sense of a transcendent imperative. Rather than governing themselves, they look to and support an ever-increasing and intrusive government to meet and provide for their needs. I have no doubt whatsoever that our founding fathers, if they could somehow be revived, would march into the halls of Congress, and like the biblical story of Christ clearing the Temple of the money-changers, would clear house! No, actually I believe they would all look at each other with tears in their eyes, and many fall to their knees, and know that what they did for America and the world has not continued.

The vanguard of Freedom must always be a vigilant society that upholds and defends those principles put on paper by our founding fathers. History shows that practically every generation of Americans have been faced with a challenge to this freedom either from foreign or domestic influences. While our unalienable rights have been granted to us by God alone, it is of vital importance that EVERY American know that freedom is NOT FREE!

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