Freedom Isn't Free...You Have To Work At It

As I observe the events occurring in our nation and around the world, I cannot help but to worry that something is very much amiss. I’ve lived long enough to have seen times when doors were seldom locked, church bells rang on Sunday morning, people watched out for each other’s children, children were taught to respect their elders, teachers read scripture and had morning prayer in classrooms, and the pledge of allegiance was recited by students with hand over heart, including the words Under God. I was witness to a nation, whose citizens sacrificed their time, money, sons and daughters to a world war on foreign soil for the freedom that united we stand, stands for. Again I saw men and women go, not to war but a “police action”, to save the small country of South Korea from the threat of communist North Korea. Thousands gave the last full measure of their life to this cause. President Kennedy gave us reason to be proud when he faced down Castro and Kruschev during the Cuban missile crisis. 

Then came, possibly our histories most unpopular conflict, Vietnam. France had already been there and was soundly defeated, so the USA decided to take up the task. At first, we were only going in as advisors to the South Vietnam military. Nevertheless, things kept escalating. For some unknown reason, our political leaders were afraid to win this “conflict” because it might offend our other enemies, namely the USSR. If memory serves me correctly, they were afraid that it might escalate into a nuclear conflict. Our returning soldiers, who had endured the “don’t fire unless fired upon” rule and clawed their way through mud and jungle and survived, were jeered and spat upon as they disembarked their ships. They were exhausted and demoralized from having lost, and yet they were treated like the “bad guy” when they finally made it safely back to the land of the free and the home of the brave. It was a sad thing to see.

The Jane Fonda type “peaceniks” bravely mistreated our returning soldiers with impunity. Only in America could they have gotten away with such atrocious behavior, protected by the same men who were offering their lives for freedom around the world. Only in America are people free to be obnoxious and belligerent as they please.There have been terrorists, both foreign and domestic all the while thinking a bomb placed here or there every now and then to kill a few innocents would make all the difference in the world. What kind of difference do they really want? America is the one nation where every citizen has the freedom to speak his peace, practice his religion, make his life pretty much of what he wants it to be without any interference from anyone. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is guaranteed in the Constitution.

America’s war against terrorism is far from over and yet our citizens tire of it. It is beginning to look like another Vietnam. No real ambition to be winners again. Pogo author, Walt Kelly said it best in 1970 when he wrote: “I have seen the enemy and he is us.” We have no leadership in Washington; congress, the senate, the president, all seem to have their heads in the sand thinking things will eventually get better. Of course, it is not really too bad for them; they all have a job with a good salary and benefits. From the top looking down, it does’t look too bad. While I am not at the bottom, I can see it from where I sit and it looks really bad down there. Moreover, from my point of view looking up, it is beginning to look really bad up there; no one up there seems to be paying attention. Yet it is really the fault of the citizens, us, we the people. We are too busy to pay attention and vote as though our very freedom and liberty depend on it. Yet it really does. Freedom loving Americans should start paying attention to the matters at hand. I hope it is not too late, some people think it is. As one who believes in the Judeo-Christian principles the founding fathers built this nation on, I say that if we citizens cannot rescue America from its perceived destiny, then look to the last verse in the Bible, Revelation 22:20 -- He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Growing Old Gracefully???

A few years ago I heard Kenny Chesney singing a song on my car radio written by Casey Beathard, and Chris Allen Wallin called “Don’t Blink”. That song hit me in a particular way because of my age and the fact that I could remember so much of my life as though it happened yesterday. Life has gone by so fast that when I hear the expression of growing old gracefully I grimace.

I can’t say that I haven’t enjoyed life pretty much to the fullest because I have. I just took too much of it for granted. I have been happily married to the same woman for 57 years, I have children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, I have enjoyed much good health, rarely ever sick until I was 70. Then I had the misfortune to begin to get really sick. I spent almost a year in hospital, not all at once but on three or four different occasions in the same year. Four different ailments befell me in my old age over a period of a year. I finally overcame most of them but they have left me much older and weak.

As I sit and look back on my life which seems to have only started about a week ago, I wish I could go back and do it all over again. I most definitely would not take anything for granted and as far as growing old gracefully…I would fight every minute of it. A poem by Dylan Thomas sent to me by my youngest son says much about growing old.

Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieve it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

  

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears,
I pray.Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light. 

The only advice I can give to the younger generation is: “No, don't blink, Don't blink, Life goes faster than you think So don't blink.”

It's The Green Thing Again

A recent article in this blog, “The Green Thing” got me to thinking about the way our country is going when compared with the Christian prophetic teachings of the way things will go.

Romans 1:18-25 “…For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the creator – who is forever praised. Amen.”

Environmentalism is the newest old religion, “clean energy, climate change,  sustainable communities, The Green Movement, PETA, carbon footprint, recycle, paper or plastic? electric bills (smart meters), light bulbs and so on.” It’s the “in” thing.

I and most Christians I know care for the world because we believe it to be God’s creation and it’s our duty to be careful not to cause unnecessary harm to it. I’ve seen a lot more forests removed in my 75 years on earth than I would like to. Where I use to rabbit hunt in forests and fields are now subdivisions and golf courses. Very little game hunting areas left in my part of the county.

While we as Christians care for planet earth, the air, and water we do not worship earth and are not really concerned about global warming, or climate change if you will. The earth is far too large for a few million people burning fossil fuel to cause any harm. I have listened to all the discussions of the Gulf Stream, green house effect and carbon credits. After all the discussion, I have concluded that it’s all a political ruse to get more money for giving us nothing.

There is an old religion referred to as Pantheism the belief of which is that the universe and God are identical. Then there is the Gaia, a revival of a Pagan religion which rejects Christianity and views Christians as the only  obstacle to a world-wide religion based on Gaia worship and the uniting of life forms around the Goddess Mother Earth. Science, paganism, eastern mysticism, and feminism have made this pagan cult (Gaia worship) the very heart of today’s environmental policy.”

Environmentalism, with cult-like qualities, is being promoted by leading figures and organizations such as former Vice President Albert Gore, broadcaster Ted Turner, and the United Nations. “Earth in the Balance” Al Gore’s book is just one of many books that ultimately proclaims the deity of Earth and blames the falling away from this Pagan God on the environmentally unfriendly followers of Jesus Christ. Romans 1 (Earth Worship and Sexual Immorality) has replaced God as the new platform of the Democrat Party, says CA pastor John MacArthur in a recent copy of Decision Magazine.

I'll Take That as a Compliment

By Ray Rogers

It is very important to come to this country through proper channels. Why you might ask? Because we already have 47% of Americans who don't care about our constitution or our country. We have approximately 40% who do, and approximately 13% who are undecided or so it would seem. This country doesn't need more people who don't care about our constitution. Of course these numbers are a guess based on how the last election played out.

So I'm reading an article by Michelle Malkin and I get to the part where 300 illegal immigrants were protesting outside of the doorstep of Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach. They were waving their fists and proclaiming Kobach “king of hate” because of his work with border security activists and border patrol agents. Well he is the "king of hate?" Who's waving their fists and calling names here?

Former Tea Party activist now state representative Amanda Grosseroade was attacked on Facebook with name calling and death threats because she stated that the behavior of the demonstrators was disgusting. Some commented that they should start killing the Nazis referring to politicians, cops, and judges among others. Probably meaning anyone with an opposing view. So who are really the Nazis here?

I'm amazed at the boldness of anyone who comes to a country illegally then are allowed to stay here illegally and make demands on our government to give them amnesty. Our generous government gave them 4 billion dollars in government assistance and continues to give to them. Then they have the courage to protest on Kris Kobach’s front lawn calling him the “King of Hate" because he has the audacity to stand with the border security activists and border patrol agents. People should enter at the authorized border entrances, not over fences or swimming the Rio Grande. There should be border patrols only allowing people in who come here legally. Our visitors should not be allowed to overstay their visas either, but they do.

Where is this courage when it comes to dealing with the government of their home country for rights and freedoms there? Are they truly protesting in order to live in a free republic or to take advantage of what can be gotten for free? Are they such cowards they are afraid to stand up to their own government. 

Our forefathers risked everything…including their own lives to give us this Republic. Are we willing to give our Republic away in the name of Amnesty to anyone who wants to come here rather than fight for their own rights and a Republic of their own?

We are not Nazis. We are not the ones who are threatening anyone with physical harm or death. We are just trying to protect our Republic. Our forefathers fought hard and sacrificed much to give us what we have here in America and we Americans don't want to see it taken away from us. We think of it as something worth fighting to keep. Freedom is very expensive. It cost the lives of many of our patriots. People do not belong here who cannot respect the fact that the price paid by our patriots is what made this country the desirable place that it is.

Looking into the history of immigration the laws were created to curb the loss of jobs and decent wages of American citizens caused by cheep labor of immigrants coming into the workforce. The American public was also concerned about communists, criminals, and other undesirables settling here. So this resulted in the immigration act of 1881. This act was created to protect our constitution, and the rights of its citizens.

We have classes for immigrants to become naturalized citizens that teach them about how our country was created and how it works. Hopefully this will give our new comers a greater appreciation of our country and they will want to protect and defend it as we do. Sadly some immigrants who have taken these classes and have become citizens know more about our country than we do.

We conservatives don't have a problem with immigration. Our nation was built on immigration. Our country is truly a melting pot of people from all over the world. We do, however, have a problem with immigrants coming here illegally because many of them are already showing a total disregard for our laws. I also fear that amnesty will have a very negative impact on our already floundering Economy.

All immigrants are welcome here. All illegals are not. Please: to all of our politicians, don't betray our country in the hopes of making yourselves look good or gain more votes. This country has already been severely damaged by political good intentions. And a saying thought to have originated with Saint Bernard of Clairvaux who wrote in 1150ad. “Hell is full of good wishes and desires.“ An earlier saying also occurs in Virgil’s Aeneid: “It is easy to go to hell.” That seems to be where the expression "the road to hell is paved with good intentions" So think Mr. Politician, don’t use your political ambitions to send our Constitutional Republic to hell.

Just Whose Side Are You On Anyway

THE THEN SENATOR BARACK OBAMA DISPLAYS HIS DISRESPECT
FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES. 

I was watching television that day back in 2008 and I though there was no way this man could be elected president of the United States displaying that much disrespect for our National Anthem and The Flag of the United States. Oh, How wrong I was, not once but twice.

From Sunday, September 7, 2008, televised 'Meet the Press' Senator Obama was asked about his stance on the American Flag. 

Sun, 07 Sept. 2008 11:48:04 EST, General Bill Ginn' USAF (ret.) asked Obama to explain why he doesn't follow protocol when the National Anthem is played.

The General also stated to the Senator that according to the United States Code, Title 36, Chapter 10, Sec. 171... During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform are expected to stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. At the very least, 'Stand and Face It'. 

Senator Obama Explains his stance on the flag and America in general, “As I've said about the flag pin, I don't want to be perceived as taking sides, Obama said. There are a lot of people in the world to whom the American flag is a symbol of oppression. And the anthem itself conveys a war-like message. You know, the bombs bursting in air and all. It should be swapped for something less parochial and less bellicose. I like the song 'I'd Like To Teach the World To Sing.' If that were our anthem, then I might salute it. We should consider to reinvent our National Anthem as well as to redesign our Flag to better offer our enemies hope an love. It's my intention, if elected, to disarm America to the level of acceptance to our Middle East Brethren. If we as a Nation of warring people, should conduct ourselves as the nations of Islam, whereas peace prevails. Perhaps a state or period of mutual concord between our governments. When I become President, I will seek a pact or agreement to end hostilities between those who have been at war or in a state of enmity, and a freedom from disquieting oppressive thoughts. We as a Nation have placed upon the nations of Islam an unfair injustice. My wife disrespects the Flag for many personal reasons. Together she and I have attended several flag burning ceremonies in the past, many years ago. She has her views and I have mine'. Of course now, I have found myself about to become the President of the United States and I have put aside my hatred. I will use my power to bring CHANGE to this Nation, and offer the people a new path of hope. My wife and I look forward to becoming our Country's First Family. Indeed, CHANGE is about to OVERWHELM the United States of America.”

He does not want to be perceived as taking sides? Just what country is he the president of. If he ran for the presidency of the United States of America he surely chose to take sides. If not, then he should not be president. The president of the United States of America should be on our side!

  

I spent eight years in the United States Air Force and was proud to face the flag and salute during retreat every evening at 5 p.m. I have no respect for people who don't respect the flag for whom hundreds of thousands of men have died fighting our and our allies enemies from the revolution of 1781 to the Wars we are presently conducting in the middle east against those peace loving, suicide bombing Islam, Christian Killers and Jewish Killers. Peace loving....the north end of my plowing mule when he's on a southbound row.

Rage, Rage against the dying of the light

By Ray Rogers

Because I love the light my hearts sinks as I look across the twilight sky and see the darkness coming.

Then there are those who love the darkness. They yearn for it, they can't wait for it because it hides their sins. The lovers of darkness feel so much bolder when darkness covers the world. They rejoice together feeling confident in their ungodliness.

Yet still we lovers of the light become angry at those that rejoice in the darkness. Being angry doesn't mean that you hate someone. Quite the contrary, it is those that you love that make you the most angry.

We who have been led by the Spirit of Truth know what is good and when we see the goodness being taken over by the status quo it breaks our hearts and makes us angry.

Another Christian institution has fallen to the darkness of the world. I'm of course talking about the Boy Scouts of America. An institution that was created to help build a child's character. What I want to know is why would an 11 year old boy be obsessing over sex and whether he was gay or not when he should be learning about first aid and earning merit badges. 

I'm sure that it wasn't a child who made being gay in the scouts an issue. It had to be someone who had a beef with the fact that they can't stand anything in this world that is pure and wholesome.

God's word does tell us that there will be those that will call good evil and evil good. Light darkness and darkness light.

Those who love darkness become angry with us because we who love the light get upset at the dying of the light. They say hateful things, they laugh at us, and mock us when the courts choose their side.

Dylan Thomas said it best with the poem he wrote for his father at his death bed that states: Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

As we watch our country fall into darkness in our government, our schools, and our sacred institutions. We begin to shout out against it. Seemingly to no avail, nevertheless we will always rage against the dying if the light, but remember at the end of every darkness there comes a new light.

Knowledge comes from study, but wisdom comes from God.

When Love Is Not Enough

The thought, when love is not enough, crossed my mind this week and I decided to let it grow into whatever would come out of my keyboard. As I sit here I think of the high divorce rate in America…maybe even the world. An old lady was asked by a reporter how her and her husband had remained married for over 60 years. The old lady calmly replied: “We were married during a time when something got broke, we fixed it.” That could be said of many married, or formerly married people today. They were once in love and for some reason something went awry and instead of trying to fix it, they just separated, then divorced. 

When I was in Junior High many years ago, my home room teacher, Miss Kate Foster, had me to memorize a chapter in the Bible. First Corinthians, chapter 13. I quote part of it here to say that in truth, love can be enough if it is exercised rightly. “Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love is not boastful, is not arrogant, does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not its own, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; rejoices not in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.” (I took the liberty to put the words into a more modern English for those who are not comfortable reading Shakespearean.)

There may come times when we think love is not enough. We may want to give up and call it quits. But when we sincerely think that there was one who loved us enough to die for us two thousand years ago and since then there have been many men and women who have fought and died for ours as well as others freedom, and all of that because of love for this country, one nation under God with liberty and justice for all. 

When we think in the broad terms of all that has been, there is no reason for love to not be enough in any situation we face.

Well, I said I would let it grow into whatever it would and there you have it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Your comments will be appreciated, pro or con. Thank you and God Bless.