Thanksgiving for Ingenuity

The Innovators Around Us are a Gift to be Grateful For


This Möller Tracker organ was originally a practice organ at Bridgewater College. It was moved to a private residence by Xaver Wilhelmy who fashioned the unique glass trumpet pipes to compliment the original instrument. Mr Wilhelmy combines the beauty of sound with stunning visual design to create unique beauty in his work.

Michelle Malkin has These Thoughts [click to read] on the seeds of inventiveness.

"Liberty, not "government vision," yields innovation. For this priceless insight bequeathed to us by our Founding Fathers, Americans should give eternal thanks."

Love Song for Our Time...

America The Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.

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

O beautiful for heroes prov'd
In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved,
And mercy more than life.

America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness,
And ev'ry gain divine.

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.

ht/Augusta Conservative


The words at the top of the monument... "Praise to G-d!"

The Challenge of Restoring Civil Society

Is There Something Missing from Our Modern Discussion

First of all, here is Phillip Blond [click to read] in The American Conservative. He offers an interesting perspective in light of our current alternating possession politics. Perhaps he's on to something when he says that Civil Society has been lost.

Taken in light of Rabbi Yonason Goldson's Observations [click to read] that the best foundations of Conservative thought are found in the traditions inspired by Divine revelation. Then Rabbi Goldson points out that the noblest aspirations of Liberalism are also so rooted.

We all love the story of Star Parker [click to read] but deep down we lament that we're not creating more stories like hers. Big government provides the serfdom of the welfare state but a capitalism that excludes all but the best, brightest, and well funded from the marketplace does not reach those who need it with something better. Educational choice is a great starting point. In an honest discussion [excluding the teachers' unions] it would seem that both Liberal and Conservative could embrace the empowering reality of programs like the DC Opportunity Scholarships.

Policies that are Pro-Market more than simply Pro-business might make it possible for more people to create businesses and products. As Blond points out, this is another point where the common man must be empowered. Why CAN'T there be small players in every industry. The Tucker Car Company [click to read] in Chicago might be a good example of the kind of company Americans should be creatiing. Unforunately Preston Tucker was put out of business by the US Attorney Otto Kerner. Even though Tucker was eventually proven innocent of the charges brought against him, the trial bankrupted his company. The whole concept of government stepping in to rescue failing companies that are 'too big to fail' means effectively that government is taking sides. The loser is the smaller company, who's failure is not deemed so threatening.

Regulatary mechanisms unfortunately are often the means for creating efffective monopolies and decreasing value as protectors of the public interest. Corporations regularly make large contributions to politicians so that the legislation they craft -- often hurtful to ALL industry, hurts them less than their competitors. Our goal should be a marketplace with reasoned rules that encourage a variety of creative solutions to enter the marketplace.


Samuel Miller, a wealthy Lynchburg businessman, founded this school for disadvantaged youth in his native Albemarle County.

Giving that Worked [click to read] by Marvin Olasky in World Magazine. People of faith need to reclaim their heritage as healers in the world. With "work tests" for the able-bodied and disdain for indiscriminate givers, Christians in the past fought urban poverty with generosity plus discernment

A Habit of Thrift [click to read] by Marvin Olasky. John D. Rockefeller’s economy and efficiency led to a better life for millions.

Obama's 'Bridge to Nowhere'

Modern Liberalism's 'Moral Laziness' Exposed


The lodge and cabins at Lewis Mountain were designed by Marcellus Wright, who also designed the Big Meadows Lodge. Lewis Mountain was created as a separate lodging area for African-American guests in the 1940's. A decade later segragation would be abolished in the National Park although it would continue in the state of Virginia well into the 1960's.

SWAC Girl sent out the news that we had been challenged. A left-leaning blogger down in Richmond wanted to know if a certain beer made in Nelson County [which had just won a major taste competition] was any good. Not wanting to drive the two hours from Richmond to see for himself, he laid down the challenge for Conservative bloggers close to the brewery to go and "tell him if it was worth his while to go there himself."

We all politely declined. I opined that since 'Politics is Genetic' [click to read], his taste buds and mine were likely quite different. We were all inclined to put the matter to rest.

But a bigger question seemed to gnaw at the back of my consciousness... why does modern liberalism seem so adverse to the hard work of good old-fashioned research? I thought that was what 'higher education' was supposed to instill in you. Yet more often than not, serious scholarly works appear that simply pull out a tired old template and fill in the blanks. The Latest Obama Biography from David Remnick [click to read] does just that. Placing the 'Anointed One' squarely at the other side of Pettus Bridge as the fulfillment of the Civil Rights Movement.

The problem is this. The writer only wants to wade in deep enough to make Obama the tragic hero of America's racial drama. A drama that in modern liberal legend only has two chapters: Roots and the KennedyAdministration. It is left to Rush Limbaugh [who didn't go to college] and Glenn Beck to point out the great thought that took place at the time of our nation's beginnings: The wording of the Declaration of Independence changes the wording of earlier such declarations from 'property' to 'pursuit of happiness' precisely for the purpose of excluding slaveholding from the list of Divinely endowed rights. Also ignored are the civil-rights initiatives of the pre-Kennedy era. While Robert Byrd was wearing white robes and going to Klan rallys it was largely Republicans who were dismantling American Apartheid.

America's racial history is far from simple, but to those who would pull out the template, consider a few facts from modern history. The Left still bases much of its 'call to action' on the template that America is a 'racist' nation. That racism exists today is true, but you don't see it at tea parties. The American Right holds as its heroes men like Alan Keyes and packs out venues to hear him speak for Pregnancy Help Centers. Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell and Larry Elder are lauded for their intellectual contributions to the movement.

It is the Right, largely, that supports initiatives like the DC 'Opportunity Scholarships' [1.] that give disadvantaged children access to school choice. The Left is deeply committed to the 'one size fits all' public school that unfortunately limit educational opportunities for too many minority children.

It is the Right that sees opportunity for all in the American experiment. The Left seems bound to the notion that America creates a permenant underclass based on minority status. Thus we must create ever expanding government programs to redistribute the wealth.

It is the Right that sees innovation and freedom as the engine that produces new streams of prosperity. The Left sees a finite pool of resources and feels compelled to assert itself as the distributor of them. The Right senses that the best of human innovation is yet to be seen.

It is the Right that sees humanity for what it is and deals with sin. It is in free societies that history is allowed to point out the errors and outright atrocities. Massive Resistance, Lynchings, Jim Crow Laws and other dark chapters of our history are rightly remembered. The Left sees mankind as basically good but the institutions have not been perfected yet. To study the history of the movement though, the deaths of millions unter Stalin and other leaders is the price that must be paid. With no notion of sin, the carnage may actually be greater. Denial of one's Own Depravity [click to read] is a dangerous thing indeed.

History suggests that there is a better way. Our own history tells us of Ruby Beck [click to read] who, with her sister Lizzie, built a dream. During the height of segregation and Massive Resistance Ms. Beck convinced Alexandria bankers Burke and Herbert to loan her money to build a restaurant in Culpeper. She did it and was later honored as Virginia's 'Businesswoman of the Year.' Every school child in Virginia needs to know her story.


The Boxwood House in Culpeper, Virginia.

A Point of Contrast: George W. Bush's New Book

George W. Bush's Decision Points [click to read] should be interesting. Andrew Breitbart reports that is not your typical memoir but 'an account of key decisions' in his life. ht/SWAC Girl

Liberty 101 is This Saturday

A Festival of Liberty for All!

Join Us this Saturday [click to read] for an informative and inspirational time.

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds,
July 25th, from 1:00pm - 7:00pm

Main Stage Schedule:

12:45-1:15
Green Giant Band

1:25-1:55
Mean Dean

2:00-2:10
Presenting of Arms-Pipes of Argyll
Introduction by Doc Thompson
National Anthem sung by Jewell Booker

2:15-2:30
Edward Cline"The Original Tea Party and Ours: Where the Parallels Stop"

2:35-2:50
Tito "The Builder" Munoz"Socialism-My Experience"

2:55-3:10
Pat Webb (Second Amendment Sisters)"What Does the Second Amendment Mean?"

3:15-3:30
John Taylor "Taking Back Our Country"

3:35-3:50
Jamie Radtke"Restoring the Founder's Vision"

3:55-4:10
Robert Stacy McCain"Don't Get Angry, Get Organized!"

4:10-4:25
Tabitha Hale "Micropolitics for the Masses"

4:30-4:45
Benjamin Marchi"How We Can Stop Nationalized Health Care"

4:50-5:15
Dr. John Lewis"The Rights of Man: The American Founding Principle"

5:20-5:45
Adnan Barqawi"Living the American Dream of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness"

5:50-6:20
The Gentlemen

6:25-6:55
Jim O'Ferrel Band

7:00
Closing Remarks by Doc Thompson

Seminar Schedule

1:00-1:45
Philip Van Cleave-Virginia Citizens Defense League-"The power and techniques of grassroots activism - the VCDL approach"

1:50-2:35
Jeff Horgan-Fair Tax- "Fair Tax Made Simple"

2:40-3:25
Ned Ryun-American Majority-"Top Ten Ways to Be An Effective Activist"

3:30-4:15
Donna Holt-Campaign for Liberty- "Politics in the Margins"

4:20-5:05
John Taylor-Virginia Institute for Public Policy-"Battle for the Soul of America: The Philosophy of the Founding Fathers vs. Progressivism"

5:10-5:55
Roger Pogge-Family Foundation Action-"Truth Project"

6:00-6:45
Paul Saunders-w/ Dr. John Lewis "The Global Warming Crisis: A Myth for Violating Rights (Cap & Trade)"

Seminars will be held inside the exhibition building, seating will be limited.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

George Mason's 1776 Document
Adopted by the Virginia Constitutional Convention on June 12, 1776

I

That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.

II

That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable to them.

III

That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation, or community; of all the various modes and forms of government that is best, which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety and is most effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and that, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter, or abolish it, in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal.

IV

That no man, or set of men, are entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of public services; which, not being descendible, neither ought the offices of magistrate, legislator, or judge to be hereditary.

V

That the legislative and executive powers of the state should be separate and distinct from the judicative; and, that the members of the two first may be restrained from oppression by feeling and participating the burthens of the people, they should, at fixed periods, be reduced to a private station, return into that body from which they were originally taken, and the vacancies be supplied by frequent, certain, and regular elections in which all, or any part of the former members, to be again eligible, or ineligible, as the laws shall direct.

VI

That elections of members to serve as representatives of the people in assembly ought to be free; and that all men, having sufficient evidence of permanent common interest with, and attachment to, the community have the right of suffrage and cannot be taxed or deprived of their property for public uses without their own consent or that of their representatives so elected, nor bound by any law to which they have not, in like manner, assented, for the public good.

VII

That all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority without consent of the representatives of the people is injurious to their rights and ought not to be exercised.

VIII

That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hath a right to demand the cause and nature of his accusation to be confronted with the accusers and witnesses, to call for evidence in his favor, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of his vicinage, without whose unanimous consent he cannot be found guilty, nor can he be compelled to give evidence against himself; that no man be deprived of his liberty except by the law of the land or the judgment of his peers.

IX

That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

X

That general warrants, whereby any officer or messenger may be commanded to search suspected places without evidence of a fact committed, or to seize any person or persons not named, or whose offense is not particularly described and supported by evidence, are grievous and oppressive and ought not be granted.

XI

That in controversies respecting property and in suits between man and man, the ancient trial by jury is preferable to any other and ought to be held sacred.

XII

That the freedom of the press is one of the greatest bulwarks of liberty and can never be restrained but by despotic governments.

XIII

That a well regulated militia, composed of the body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper, natural, and safe defense of a free state; that standing armies, in time of peace, should be avoided as dangerous to liberty; and that, in all cases, the military should be under strict subordination to, and governed by, the civil power.

XIV

That the people have a right to uniform government; and therefore, that no government separate from, or independent of, the government of Virginia, ought to be erected or established within the limits thereof.

XV

That no free government, or the blessings of liberty, can be preserved to any people but by a firm adherence to justice, moderation, temperance, frugality, and virtue and by frequent recurrence to fundamental principles.

XVI

That religion, or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence; and therefore, all men are equally entitled to the free exercise of religion, according to the dictates of conscience; and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian forbearance, love, and charity towards each other.

Source: Ben Perley Poore, ed., The Federal and State Constitutions, Colonial Charters, and Other Organic Laws of the United States, vol. 2 (1878), pp. 1908-1909.


Reconstruction of Tinkling Springs original meeting house. Religious liberty was a necessary development in Virginia's Western frontier.

Give Me Liberty...

Saint John's Church


The steeple as seen through the trees.


Historical marker.


Steeple against the sky.


Front view of Saint John's Church.

Just imagine... it is March 23, 1775 and you are here for the meeting of the Virginia Revolutionary Convention. Such noteables as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Richard Henry Lee surround you. Patrick Henry is about to address the meeting...

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope that it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen, if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.

This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty towards the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren, till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation?

For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth -- to know the worst and to provide for it. I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years, to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House?

Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss. Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with these warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation -- the last arguments to which kings resort. I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motives for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies?

No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us; they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer on the subject? Nothing.

We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves longer.

Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament.

Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne. In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.

If we wish to be free -- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending -- if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained, we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of Hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak -- unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance, by lying supinely on our backs, and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?

Sir, we are not weak, if we make a proper use of the means which the God of nature hath placed in our power. Three millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us.

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable -- and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come!

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, "Peace! Peace!" -- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? 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 - March 23, 1775

Calling All Patriots

You're Invited to:
LIBERTY 101
Chesterfield County Fairgrounds

July 25, 20091:00 - 7:00 pm

"Arm Yourself With Knowledge"

Dear Tea Party Patriots,

Thank you for putting your passion into action on April 15th at the Tax Day Tea Party. It was inspiring to see thousands of taxpayers exercising their first amendment right to peacefully protest out-of-control government spending and ballooning federal debt.

We've heard from many of you wanting to know "What's Next?"

We are excited to announce THE Summer Event, Liberty 101, which will focus on:

- Fiscal Responsibility
- The Rule of Law
- Free Markets
- Individual Rights

Liberty 101 will be held at Chesterfield Fairgrounds, July 25th, from 1:00 - 7:00 pm. This is a Family Friendly event. Bring your kids, your parents, your friends and neighbors!

What is Liberty 101?

An opportunity for like-minded citizens and organizations to gather, become better informed, and prepared to act.The Richmond Tea Party Team has been working very hard to bring you a day full of information AND entertainment.

Music: We're bringing in bands of all kinds: Rock, Country, and Bluegrass. Contests: Everything from dunking booths to Hula Hoops. For the kids and the kid in everybody.Food & Drink: Enjoy iced tea and lemonade, hot dogs and burgers, ice cream, funnel cakes, and whatever else we think sounds good to eat on a summer afternoon!

Featured Attractions: Check out the informational booths hosted by organizations working to restore sensible government. Our indoor pavillion will feature seminars on important issues like Fiscal Irresponsibility, Freedom in Education, the Second Amendment and the growing "states' rights" movement.

Highlighted Speaker: We have extended an invitation to a nationally known speaker and will be updating you when we have received a commitment!

Between now and July 25th, we'll be sending you updates, including featured speakers and schedules so you can plan your day.If you want to help out, there are plenty of opportunities. Click on the Volunteer link and let us know what interests you. Please consider contributing a few bucks to help pay for the staging and sound system, facility rental, security and permits. Every dollar helps us provide you a bigger and better event. In the meantime, stay tuned. The best is yet to come!
Thank you for standing with us in defense of liberty!

The Richmond Tea Party Team at: www.richmondteaparty.com [click to read]

Save the Date

"LIBERTY 101"

July 25, 2009

Chesterfield County Fairgrounds

1:00 - 7:00pm (tentative) --Permit Pending--Guest Speaker

Entertainment

Educational Seminars Arm Yourself with Knowledge

Congregate, Educate, Activate

fron the fine folks who brought you The Richmond Tea Party! [click to learn more]

Laus Deo

Affirming the Pursuit of Security

It is a New Era, But the Battle is Not New

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence

John Locke is credited with the original thought: "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions" In the first article of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason explains it better: "That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."

This document is considered to be a model for the Declaration of Independence. Today the financial corruption of large entities, both government and corporate, are a real threat to this fundamental yearning. Here is one of the greatest challenges we face.


The Enron Complex


Franklin Raines

Perhaps a good beginning is to Acknowledge Corruption in the bodies one would invoke to oversee us.


Hydrogen cars offer the promise of
cleaner air and a healthy economy.

Then A Policy of Public and Private Entities in Partnership for Energy Independence would go a long way to secure this right. Nuclear Energy, Hydrogen cars, and a general push to go beyond the era of fossel fuel would also give us better environmental stewardship and national security. Hydrogen Cars are Here Now and we must have the resolve to build the clean technology of the future. If we can put a man on the Moon, we can build this new method of propelling our prosperity.

The economic benefits would be many. No doubt we would maintain a position of leadership in the production of this technology. Reduced oil consumption would help our balance of trade. Economic stability would benefit us far into the future.

New Ways of Looking at Healthcare, Education and Retirement will also be necessary.

Here is a Thought Provoking Piece by Theodore Dalrymple in City Journal that underscores the importance of protecting this basic human right.

Update:

Build Big, Mr. President by Howard Husock in City Journal proposes: "Obama should look past mere improvements and plan transformative infrastructure projects."

Required Reading:



Great Myths of the Great Depression [Click to Read]
by Lawrence W. Reed

"The genesis of the Great Depression lay in the irresponsible monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government in the late 1920s and early 1930s. These policies included a litany of political missteps: central bank mismanagement, tradecrushing tariffs, incentive-sapping taxes, mind-numbing controls on production and competition, senseless destruction of crops and cattle, and coercive labor laws, to recount just a few. It was not the free market which produced 12 years of agony; rather, it was political bungling on a grand scale."

Now Check Out the 4o Year Wish List as seen in The Wall Street Journal
Also: Is America's Diplomacy of Freedom Officially Over

Affirming Liberty

It is a New Era, But the Battle is Not New
Hat tip to Valley Family Forum

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence

We have just inaugurated a new president, and Congress is back in session. So how will that affect our lives and our liberties? Here are some challenges we are likely to face in the days ahead. Congress is likely to:

Pass a Freedom of Choice Act that would reverse nearly every law that states have passed to limit abortion on demand – including partial-birth abortions. New evidence on fetal pain makes this a very inhumane thing to do.

Overturn the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and replace it with laws that would grant same-sex “unions” the same benefits that are now accorded only to married couples. Think of the campground in New Jersey that lost its tax-exempt status for not allowing a same-sex ceremony. Churches could be pressured to violate their conscience or lose their non-profit status. Don't think of this as a civil rights issue so much as a vehicle for imposing a certain set of values on society.

Enact an Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that could force all employers – including religious and non-profit groups – to accept openly homosexual behavior even when it violates their conscience or could put their clients, including children, in danger. Think of the danger you would face if you operated a preschool or a day care center.

Overturn Conscience Protection for healthcare workers, Physicians and Pharmacists. Our country has a great tradition of respecting conscience. When the military draft was in effect there were clear provisions for those who's conscience would not allow them to take up arms. Health Care Professionals deserve to be protected from pressure to violate their beliefs.

Enact laws like the Matthew Shepard Act that would empower government officials to punish anyone who – in their view – expresses "hate speech" or commits "hate crimes." This could include pastors who present a biblical view of homosexual behavior. Matthew Shepard, it turns out, was killed for money. All murder is a hateful crime. We don't need to apply affirmative action to something that is so vile by its very nature.

Enact the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" which could, for all practical purposes, eliminate Christian and conservative free speech on the nation's airwaves. Now is the Time to Speak Out before our First Amendment Rights are forever amended.

If Congress does attempt to pass these harmful bills, what can we do to stop them? We need to let our elected representatives know our thoughts on these important issues!