Friday, February 3, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
The Cry Of Freedom
Travis Jackson, CC
Has there ever been greater necessity in all of American history for men and women to step forward and take back the country that is rightfully theirs? Certainly, the Revolutionary War was one such instance, but the truth is, the people that lived here were being ruled by a king from far across the great Atlantic Ocean. Back then, they were fighting a foreign enemy, one that sent soldiers thousands of miles from their homeland to dictate rules and regulations to the people of a new continent. Today, the kings and monarchs who were born in THIS land have stolen our rights, trampled our Constitution, and now send our own soldiers and fighting men across the seas to protect "special interests" and to prop up governments that will be friendly to their notion of "nation." One could argue that King George, who we won our independence from, had a similar foreign policy. Yes, make no mistake, we are an empire. One that is built on lies.
The U.S. Constitution was established to protect people from the government and to allow government only the power to protect the freedom of the individual. Each elected leader swears an oath to protect and uphold it, yet they choke on this lie each time they pass legislation that protects THEM from those they wish to rule. They sit on their thrones in Congress and in the White House, passing legislation for their benefit, not beholden to the same laws that they oppress their citizens with. They are grandiose, eager to maintain power, easily bought with money, and do the bidding of gangster bankers and corrupt corporate groups. They lie and cheat their way into public office, brandishing the sword of media to obtain public approval, all the while lining their pocketbooks with Americans' hard earned money.
With each passing election, more and more people are waking up to the fact that our so called leaders do not represent us, but, instead, represent themselves and the beast of government. Many have already left their respective parties in disgust, seeing the political spectrum they are presented with for what it is, two sides of the same coin. Added to these are the ones who are slowly starting to question the marching orders they receive coming from their televisions and radios. However, most of the disgruntled masses are still being deceived, silently led by the strong arm of the media. Breaking this spell is difficult, as decades have gone by with many holding on to the belief that those who they have relied on for "news" and opinion for so long are just like them and simply represent the party they believe in. It is a haze that can only be cleared with asking the right questions.
They are the questions that are never asked in a debate. They are ones that politicians only give lip service to without going into any detail and ones the media refuses to touch. They are questions that encompass the heart of the Constitution and pertain to the proper role of government, the economy, the central banks, and sound money. For too long we have failed to ask even the simple question, "Am I really free?" Those who question government or their actions or ask questions on these subjects are quickly ostracized from the rest of the public by labeling them "kooky," or "conspiracy theorists." It is a form of psychological warfare, keeping the largest portion of the electorate away from the truth. A good citizen dares not question his government. It is better to march along than be considered "unpatriotic." No one wants to be labeled crazy, so for most, they continue to listen to what they are told is true, never questioning whether or not those who do the telling speak the truth.
The millions of citizens who make up the army of the electorate are split into two camps. On the right, Republicans are told by their leaders that the true enemy is the "left." And the left, made up of Democrats, are led by those who scream that the problem lies with the "right." For decades this fight has gone on, with left and right taking up arms against each other, as our leaders spurred on the contest with angry and bitter words. So concerned with this fight, we failed to realize that the bigger war was taking place behind our backs, one that effected both sides.
On and on it has gone. Right. Left. Right. Left. With every election cycle this pendulum swing cut the fabric of our Constitution while the electorate marched on, fighting each other, disgusted at what the other side was doing. Meanwhile, the leaders of both sides laughed at the confusion they created as they gobbled up power while continuing to keep our nation divided.
Thankfully, the ranks are diminishing, albeit slowly, with the admirals and colonels of main stream media slowly losing their following on talk radio and television. Their arrogance has grown to the point that they have exposed themselves for what they are. Leaders of both parties, like never before, are starting to resemble one another. As their "left," "right" cadence decreases, and as their power and blatant dismissal of the needs of the people increase, the masses are starting to ask themselves who they really should be fighting.
For those in power, they think the war has almost been won. They have relied on entertainment to keep their subjects distracted, and for a long while we have been. Whether it is political gamesmanship or game shows, sports contests, soap operas, reality shows, or Keeping Up With The Kardashians, we have allowed ourselves to be consumed by how others are living instead of thinking about the way we SHOULD be living. With their intentions no longer lying in secret rooms hidden from public view, it is easy to see that they despise "We The People." They flaunt their power and influence in our faces, passing horrific legislation with increasing frequency, believing we are too distracted to notice and thinking we are too stupid to care. When we do raise our voice in protest, they ignore us, telling us they know what is best. They are no longer two parties fighting for the people. Instead, they have become a single entity fighting against the people they pretend to represent. They are our Kings and Nobles, believing they can force us into submission. They are wrong.
People swarm to the idea of freedom. It is the heart of our country and is deeply embedded in the fabric of each human life. It is this idea that won us our independence against the king of England. Freedom is popular, and for the first time in decades people are re-discovering their need for it. We are beginning to awaken, to understand the rights and responsibility that goes with being an American. We are reading the Constitution and finally realizing that the true enemy is not one another or some party, but rather, the beast that lies waiting in our nations capital, making itself fat at the expense of the people. Whether our leaders realize it or not, their lies have caught up with them.
With the belly of the beast exposed, the people are now rallying around a new champion, Ron Paul. He, like the Greek hero Perseus, faces the Kraken in this years Presidential race, trying to protect the people from a terrifying creation. He does this, not with the head of Medusa, but holding, instead, the Constitution. It is his weapon of choice, stained with the blood of true patriots who valued freedom and containing in its words the keys to slaying the dangerous beast we call government.
As always, the beast wears different faces and is called by different names. During this election cycle, whether their name is Romney, Gingrich, Santorum, or Obama, they all pose a dangerous threat to the people. They pretend they are enemies, yet each face is backed by the same powerful people whose dead, cold hearts care for nothing but themselves. They are the 1% and have been America's enemy since the beginning, waging war with the people through legislation and economic policy. Each of its faces in our current election have been bought and paid for, and each, in turn has been delivered with praise by a media owned by this same hateful group of monsters. All of the Presidential candidates have been placed in front of the electorate as champions by the main stream media, only to fall short of the example of the one man they have tried in vain to dismiss, repress, villianize, and reject.
Ron Paul has slipped passed their radar, perhaps because, in their own arrogance, they cannot recognize strength and power that are derived from humbleness, integrity, and principle. They seem to not understand that it is not the man that his followers support but his ideas. Seemingly caught up in the world of popularity and entertainment that they helped create, selling names, faces, and what "looks" good to the buying consumer, they have failed to recognize the power and influence a man of substance can have over the people they so easily deceive. He has a growing, dedicated army behind him, made up of those who have left the ranks of the two party system. He is a man that leads with consistency and conviction, and most of all truth. With refreshing candor and an honest approach to the problems this nation is facing, he is waking up the electorate, and those of us who's eyes are open are finding the urge to fight once again, not against each other but FOR one another. Our rallying cry is eerily similar to the one heard on this continent during the birth of this nation. It is more contagious than any disease, it does not discriminate, and it is inspiring a new revolution. It is a cry that should strike fear in the hearts of the powerful elite and the establishment that has America in its iron grip.
It is a cry of hope.
It is the cry of freedom.
In all of this, there are those who refuse to stand with this growing army of liberty lovers. They turn away from us in fear or anger. Among these numbers are some that cannot face the truth, not being able to bring themselves to admit that the beast is real. Many are just too prideful to admit that they are wrong. Some are even afraid of not being controlled or told what to do and how to live. So frightened at actually having to take responsibility for themselves, they reject the very idea of what freedom and liberty truly represent. Yet, day after day our numbers grow as most are still working up the courage, trying to shake loose from the haze and the lies. Having been told that this "champion of the Constitution" is not real, or not worthy of their support, they are divided, unsure whether it is their eyes or their ears that are deceiving them. Sooner or later, one by one, they will all feel the stirring in their hearts and will join the fray.
Make no mistake, the battle lines are being drawn. It is big government versus the people, and neither side is backing down.
In their overconfidence, our arrogant leaders have resorted to their old tactics, using the media to demonize Ron Paul one day and then choosing to ignore him for weeks at a time. In the past, they have demoralized the people in this way and have been able to quickly dismiss any objector to their stronghold on government. The "establishment," with the persuasive media behind them have been in power for so long they do not yet realize that they are losing control. They are out of tricks and the people of this country are beginning to see behind the curtain of lies. A few in the media recognize this fact but are refusing to give up. They scream from their lofty perch in radio and television, using the words "conspiracy," "kook," "racist," "war," and "terror" to try and sway the public in their direction. They have even gone so far to label the kindly old doctor as "dangerous." Yet, above their insistent and pleading voices, urging the people that they should listen to them, the cries of freedom can be heard, growing louder, and beckoning other Americans to join the fight.
The kingpins of America want us to give up, to roll over and accept the country that they would give us. They want to hold the keys, locking out anyone that would stand in the way of their power. They marginalize and dismiss the freedom movement in hopes that it will go away and have made it obvious they have no plans to allow Dr. Paul a place of honor in their halls of government. What they continue to not understand is that we do not wish this either, for his place of honor rests with the people.
Men follow leaders for one of two reasons: fear or respect. It is not fear that motivates Ron Paul's supporters but rather respect for the man that he is and always has been. He has inspired men and women to become educated and to understand the issues, not relying on the opinions of others to guide them. Through example he has taught timid souls to be brave, and to have a voice. He has become the people's champion; their Greek legend, staring the beast in the face and always standing his ground, even when standing alone. He is the brave soul who, long ago decided to stand up for his convictions. It is not blind worship that has attracted so many to his cause as some claim, but a deep understanding that his convictions are true, noble, and right. For us, he is our American hero, a modern day Thomas Jefferson, not looking to honor himself but rather, working to restore the honor to our nation.
And for Dr. Paul? Well...it is not Mt. Olympus that he is after, but rather "we the people" who have been dismissed and forgotten by those who would consider themselves gods.
He is a dangerous enemy indeed!
Has there ever been greater necessity in all of American history for men and women to step forward and take back the country that is rightfully theirs? Certainly, the Revolutionary War was one such instance, but the truth is, the people that lived here were being ruled by a king from far across the great Atlantic Ocean. Back then, they were fighting a foreign enemy, one that sent soldiers thousands of miles from their homeland to dictate rules and regulations to the people of a new continent. Today, the kings and monarchs who were born in THIS land have stolen our rights, trampled our Constitution, and now send our own soldiers and fighting men across the seas to protect "special interests" and to prop up governments that will be friendly to their notion of "nation." One could argue that King George, who we won our independence from, had a similar foreign policy. Yes, make no mistake, we are an empire. One that is built on lies.
The U.S. Constitution was established to protect people from the government and to allow government only the power to protect the freedom of the individual. Each elected leader swears an oath to protect and uphold it, yet they choke on this lie each time they pass legislation that protects THEM from those they wish to rule. They sit on their thrones in Congress and in the White House, passing legislation for their benefit, not beholden to the same laws that they oppress their citizens with. They are grandiose, eager to maintain power, easily bought with money, and do the bidding of gangster bankers and corrupt corporate groups. They lie and cheat their way into public office, brandishing the sword of media to obtain public approval, all the while lining their pocketbooks with Americans' hard earned money.
With each passing election, more and more people are waking up to the fact that our so called leaders do not represent us, but, instead, represent themselves and the beast of government. Many have already left their respective parties in disgust, seeing the political spectrum they are presented with for what it is, two sides of the same coin. Added to these are the ones who are slowly starting to question the marching orders they receive coming from their televisions and radios. However, most of the disgruntled masses are still being deceived, silently led by the strong arm of the media. Breaking this spell is difficult, as decades have gone by with many holding on to the belief that those who they have relied on for "news" and opinion for so long are just like them and simply represent the party they believe in. It is a haze that can only be cleared with asking the right questions.
They are the questions that are never asked in a debate. They are ones that politicians only give lip service to without going into any detail and ones the media refuses to touch. They are questions that encompass the heart of the Constitution and pertain to the proper role of government, the economy, the central banks, and sound money. For too long we have failed to ask even the simple question, "Am I really free?" Those who question government or their actions or ask questions on these subjects are quickly ostracized from the rest of the public by labeling them "kooky," or "conspiracy theorists." It is a form of psychological warfare, keeping the largest portion of the electorate away from the truth. A good citizen dares not question his government. It is better to march along than be considered "unpatriotic." No one wants to be labeled crazy, so for most, they continue to listen to what they are told is true, never questioning whether or not those who do the telling speak the truth.
The millions of citizens who make up the army of the electorate are split into two camps. On the right, Republicans are told by their leaders that the true enemy is the "left." And the left, made up of Democrats, are led by those who scream that the problem lies with the "right." For decades this fight has gone on, with left and right taking up arms against each other, as our leaders spurred on the contest with angry and bitter words. So concerned with this fight, we failed to realize that the bigger war was taking place behind our backs, one that effected both sides.
On and on it has gone. Right. Left. Right. Left. With every election cycle this pendulum swing cut the fabric of our Constitution while the electorate marched on, fighting each other, disgusted at what the other side was doing. Meanwhile, the leaders of both sides laughed at the confusion they created as they gobbled up power while continuing to keep our nation divided.
Thankfully, the ranks are diminishing, albeit slowly, with the admirals and colonels of main stream media slowly losing their following on talk radio and television. Their arrogance has grown to the point that they have exposed themselves for what they are. Leaders of both parties, like never before, are starting to resemble one another. As their "left," "right" cadence decreases, and as their power and blatant dismissal of the needs of the people increase, the masses are starting to ask themselves who they really should be fighting.
For those in power, they think the war has almost been won. They have relied on entertainment to keep their subjects distracted, and for a long while we have been. Whether it is political gamesmanship or game shows, sports contests, soap operas, reality shows, or Keeping Up With The Kardashians, we have allowed ourselves to be consumed by how others are living instead of thinking about the way we SHOULD be living. With their intentions no longer lying in secret rooms hidden from public view, it is easy to see that they despise "We The People." They flaunt their power and influence in our faces, passing horrific legislation with increasing frequency, believing we are too distracted to notice and thinking we are too stupid to care. When we do raise our voice in protest, they ignore us, telling us they know what is best. They are no longer two parties fighting for the people. Instead, they have become a single entity fighting against the people they pretend to represent. They are our Kings and Nobles, believing they can force us into submission. They are wrong.
People swarm to the idea of freedom. It is the heart of our country and is deeply embedded in the fabric of each human life. It is this idea that won us our independence against the king of England. Freedom is popular, and for the first time in decades people are re-discovering their need for it. We are beginning to awaken, to understand the rights and responsibility that goes with being an American. We are reading the Constitution and finally realizing that the true enemy is not one another or some party, but rather, the beast that lies waiting in our nations capital, making itself fat at the expense of the people. Whether our leaders realize it or not, their lies have caught up with them.
With the belly of the beast exposed, the people are now rallying around a new champion, Ron Paul. He, like the Greek hero Perseus, faces the Kraken in this years Presidential race, trying to protect the people from a terrifying creation. He does this, not with the head of Medusa, but holding, instead, the Constitution. It is his weapon of choice, stained with the blood of true patriots who valued freedom and containing in its words the keys to slaying the dangerous beast we call government.
As always, the beast wears different faces and is called by different names. During this election cycle, whether their name is Romney, Gingrich, Santorum, or Obama, they all pose a dangerous threat to the people. They pretend they are enemies, yet each face is backed by the same powerful people whose dead, cold hearts care for nothing but themselves. They are the 1% and have been America's enemy since the beginning, waging war with the people through legislation and economic policy. Each of its faces in our current election have been bought and paid for, and each, in turn has been delivered with praise by a media owned by this same hateful group of monsters. All of the Presidential candidates have been placed in front of the electorate as champions by the main stream media, only to fall short of the example of the one man they have tried in vain to dismiss, repress, villianize, and reject.
Ron Paul has slipped passed their radar, perhaps because, in their own arrogance, they cannot recognize strength and power that are derived from humbleness, integrity, and principle. They seem to not understand that it is not the man that his followers support but his ideas. Seemingly caught up in the world of popularity and entertainment that they helped create, selling names, faces, and what "looks" good to the buying consumer, they have failed to recognize the power and influence a man of substance can have over the people they so easily deceive. He has a growing, dedicated army behind him, made up of those who have left the ranks of the two party system. He is a man that leads with consistency and conviction, and most of all truth. With refreshing candor and an honest approach to the problems this nation is facing, he is waking up the electorate, and those of us who's eyes are open are finding the urge to fight once again, not against each other but FOR one another. Our rallying cry is eerily similar to the one heard on this continent during the birth of this nation. It is more contagious than any disease, it does not discriminate, and it is inspiring a new revolution. It is a cry that should strike fear in the hearts of the powerful elite and the establishment that has America in its iron grip.
It is a cry of hope.
It is the cry of freedom.
In all of this, there are those who refuse to stand with this growing army of liberty lovers. They turn away from us in fear or anger. Among these numbers are some that cannot face the truth, not being able to bring themselves to admit that the beast is real. Many are just too prideful to admit that they are wrong. Some are even afraid of not being controlled or told what to do and how to live. So frightened at actually having to take responsibility for themselves, they reject the very idea of what freedom and liberty truly represent. Yet, day after day our numbers grow as most are still working up the courage, trying to shake loose from the haze and the lies. Having been told that this "champion of the Constitution" is not real, or not worthy of their support, they are divided, unsure whether it is their eyes or their ears that are deceiving them. Sooner or later, one by one, they will all feel the stirring in their hearts and will join the fray.
Make no mistake, the battle lines are being drawn. It is big government versus the people, and neither side is backing down.
In their overconfidence, our arrogant leaders have resorted to their old tactics, using the media to demonize Ron Paul one day and then choosing to ignore him for weeks at a time. In the past, they have demoralized the people in this way and have been able to quickly dismiss any objector to their stronghold on government. The "establishment," with the persuasive media behind them have been in power for so long they do not yet realize that they are losing control. They are out of tricks and the people of this country are beginning to see behind the curtain of lies. A few in the media recognize this fact but are refusing to give up. They scream from their lofty perch in radio and television, using the words "conspiracy," "kook," "racist," "war," and "terror" to try and sway the public in their direction. They have even gone so far to label the kindly old doctor as "dangerous." Yet, above their insistent and pleading voices, urging the people that they should listen to them, the cries of freedom can be heard, growing louder, and beckoning other Americans to join the fight.
The kingpins of America want us to give up, to roll over and accept the country that they would give us. They want to hold the keys, locking out anyone that would stand in the way of their power. They marginalize and dismiss the freedom movement in hopes that it will go away and have made it obvious they have no plans to allow Dr. Paul a place of honor in their halls of government. What they continue to not understand is that we do not wish this either, for his place of honor rests with the people.
Men follow leaders for one of two reasons: fear or respect. It is not fear that motivates Ron Paul's supporters but rather respect for the man that he is and always has been. He has inspired men and women to become educated and to understand the issues, not relying on the opinions of others to guide them. Through example he has taught timid souls to be brave, and to have a voice. He has become the people's champion; their Greek legend, staring the beast in the face and always standing his ground, even when standing alone. He is the brave soul who, long ago decided to stand up for his convictions. It is not blind worship that has attracted so many to his cause as some claim, but a deep understanding that his convictions are true, noble, and right. For us, he is our American hero, a modern day Thomas Jefferson, not looking to honor himself but rather, working to restore the honor to our nation.
And for Dr. Paul? Well...it is not Mt. Olympus that he is after, but rather "we the people" who have been dismissed and forgotten by those who would consider themselves gods.
He is a dangerous enemy indeed!
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Real Dirt On Slick Rick Santorum
by Jake Morphonios, Nolan Chart
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Texas Congressman Ron Paul has just released a hard-hitting ad against former Senator Rick Santorum. The ad, entitled “Betrayal”, exposes Santorum’s record of hypocrisy, duplicity and corruption. But is the ad fair?
Rick Santorum did well in Iowa and may do well in South Carolina because he is perceived to be deeply committed to family and social values. He is an outspoken opponent of gay marriage and abortion. He wears his religious beliefs on his sleeves.
Many fall for his pious act - but remember, Santorum is a sly lawyer-turned-politician-turned-lobbyist. Don’t let the sweater vests fool you. Santorum played the people of Iowa like a harp, and he’s hoping to do the same thing to social conservatives in South Carolina.
If Santorum is going to claim to be a champion of values, we need to look not only at what he says, but what he has done. And fortunately, Rick Santorum has left us with a voluminous record of big-government hypocrisy and outright corruption to sift through. Before making your decision about Rick Santorum, take a minute to learn the facts. There’s more to being a “values” candidate than simply bashing gays all the time. Personal ethics matter. And in that department, Santorum comes up short...
Read entire article at Nolan Chart - http://www.nolanchart.com/article9242-the-real-dirt-on-slick-rick-santorum.html
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Texas Congressman Ron Paul has just released a hard-hitting ad against former Senator Rick Santorum. The ad, entitled “Betrayal”, exposes Santorum’s record of hypocrisy, duplicity and corruption. But is the ad fair?
Rick Santorum did well in Iowa and may do well in South Carolina because he is perceived to be deeply committed to family and social values. He is an outspoken opponent of gay marriage and abortion. He wears his religious beliefs on his sleeves.
Many fall for his pious act - but remember, Santorum is a sly lawyer-turned-politician-turned-lobbyist. Don’t let the sweater vests fool you. Santorum played the people of Iowa like a harp, and he’s hoping to do the same thing to social conservatives in South Carolina.
If Santorum is going to claim to be a champion of values, we need to look not only at what he says, but what he has done. And fortunately, Rick Santorum has left us with a voluminous record of big-government hypocrisy and outright corruption to sift through. Before making your decision about Rick Santorum, take a minute to learn the facts. There’s more to being a “values” candidate than simply bashing gays all the time. Personal ethics matter. And in that department, Santorum comes up short...
Read entire article at Nolan Chart - http://www.nolanchart.com/article9242-the-real-dirt-on-slick-rick-santorum.html
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The Electability Of Despicabilty
Travis Jackson, CC
It's hard to imagine that voters in South Carolina were so easily swayed by the smooth talking Newt Gingrich. Once again, we were witness to another politician escaping public scrutiny by brandishing big words and attacking the media when a legitimate question arises about ethics and electability.
I do not necessarily agree with how the question was asked, nor agree that the debate started off with this line of questioning, but in order to truly know who we are voting for, shouldn't we know the truth?
A man that supposedly supports family values yet has three overlapping marriages should raise questions about his moral character. Unfortunately, this fact was lost on the voters of South Carolina. Gingrich, as in Newt fashion, effectively dodged the query by blaming others for bringing it to light, calling their actions "despicable." Failing to answer for his own despicable actions, he painted the liberal media as the enemy and somehow managed to win over the voters in South Carolina and remove himself from their cross-hairs. It almost seems that Americans, so used to the lies and deception, have lost the ability to think critically about anything. The real question should be, why should we allow a free pass to Gingrich who, after attacking Mitt Romney's "character" in South Carolina with his Bain Capital allegations, goes on and offers up disdain when his own character is questioned? This is the very definition of hypocrisy, a defining characteristic of all Republican candidates not named Ron Paul.
For the average American voter, character, electability, and integrity should all be important when it comes to electing leaders. For Newt Gingrich to dismiss this question so indignantly means two things: He is right, and the media is trying to create a story to take down the poor, innocent, former Speaker; Or, he is wrong and he has something to hide. Let's examine a little of his history to see just how honest he really is.
When asked about his eighty-four ethics violations as Speaker of the House, Gingrich was once again indignant and responded by saying that the congressional ethics investigation against him was conducted by "a very partisan political committee" in a way that "related more to the politics of the Democratic Party than to ethics." PolitiFact, checking his claim, rated this statement as "pants on fire," stating that "The full House went on to pass the ethics report 395 to 28, with 196 Republicans voting for it and just 26 voting against it." (here) The overwhelming support for the ethics investigation against Gingrich in 1997 resulted in his being reprimanded by the House of Representatives and fined $300,000. It also led to his eventual "resignation" from Congress.
We are also talking about a man who recently claimed:
“I went to a Goldwater organizing session in 1964. I met with Ronald Reagan for the first time in 1974. I worked with Jack Kemp, and Art Laffer and others to develop supply side economics in the late ’70s. I helped Governor Reagan become President Reagan. I helped pass the Reagan economic program and worked with the National Security Council on issues including the collapse of the Soviet Empire…”
According to Glenn Greenwald at Salon, this is not true either. In fact, "Gingrich denounced President Reagan’s rapprochement with Gorbachev in 1985 as potentially 'the most dangerous summit for the West since Adolf Hitler met with Chamberlain in 1938 at Munich.'" (here) Did Gingrich help win the cold war as he claimed? The answer is no. This is just another bold lie to pander to the Republican Party. As far as his support of Goldwater, Gingrich can tell us which side he supported in his own words:
Whether it is supporting the individual mandate for healthcare, TARP funds, bailouts, or his payouts from Fanny Mae and Freddie Mac, Gingrich has been caught lying and twisting words to fool the American voter too many times. As a self claimed "expert" on history, it is ironic that he cannot even remember his own. His constant lies and manipulations could even give the king of flip flopping, Mitt Romney, a run for his money. Yes, I could spend hours blowing holes in most of the statements he has made during this Presidential run, but this article would be too long and redundant. Instead, I invite you to do a little research on your own. Remember, the media is not doing its job vetting these candidates so it is up to you to know who it is you are voting for. Please take the time to do research for yourself this voting season. America depends on it.
I will leave you with a really good clip from Jon Stewart who usually calls it like he sees it.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Hello, I Am A Republican And I Would Like My Party Back!
Travis Jackson, CC
It was less than twelve years ago that the party I grew up believing in seemed to be on the right track, resembling a much different version than the one we see today.
On Oct. 12, 2000, when George W. Bush was running as a Republican to become president of the United States, he was asked during a debate, "One of you is about to be elected the leader of the single most powerful nation of the world-- economically, financially, militarily, diplomatically, you name it. Have you formed any guiding principles for exercising this enormous power?"
Considering the foreign policy stance of most republicans today, the answer George W. Bush gives may surprise you. He says: "When it comes to foreign policy, that will be my guiding question. Is it in our nation's interests? Peace in the Middle East is in our nation's interests. Having a hemisphere that is free for trade and peaceful is in our nation's interests. Strong relations in Europe is in our nation's interests. I've thought a lot about what it means to be the President. I also understand an administration is not one person but an administration is dedicated citizens who are called by the President to serve the country, to serve a cause greater than self. And so I've thought about an administration of people who represent all America, but people who understand my compassionate and conservative philosophy."
He continues: "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us; if we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. And our nation stands alone right now in the world in terms of power, and that's why we've got to be humble, and yet project strength in a way that promotes freedom...I'm not so sure the role of the United States is to go around the world and say this is the way it's got to be. We can help. And maybe it's just our difference in government, the way we view government. I mean I want to empower people. I want to help people help themselves, not have government tell people what to do. I just don't think it's the role of the United States to walk into a country and say, we do it this way, so should you."
With a humble foreign policy, no nation building, and a common sense approach to foreign affairs, G.W. won over the majority of the Republican party.
And then...he forgot.
And then...we forgot.
Today we stand upon a precipice economically, and the Republican party that used to preach peace and humbleness, has become a party of pre-emptive war and nation building, touting regularly that peace is achieved through strength. Many of today's popular "Republican voices" say that this is just "the conservative way!" Opponents of this thought process are branded as "unpatriotic," and listeners are told that detractors of this philosophy "don't support the troops!" This once proud party that believed in fiscal responsibility are damning our economy with their war rhetoric and propaganda, while reaching into the minds and hearts of their base and stealing their souls. Slowly but surely, people are forgetting who they are and what conservatism truly means. They have become zombies, slipping into line and marching to the drums of war. Fear has replaced hope and the blood-lust for those they are told to fear has replaced common sense and dignity.
Fear is a natural consequence when one loses control. In that instant, two things can happen: A man can conquer his fear, learn from his mistakes, and become stronger for it, or that man can cower down, and become a slave to that fear he so desperately hates. The men who lead this country have given in to fear. The pundits and personalities on the news and radios are slaves to it. The few voices of reason are drowned out by the chorus of desperate voices that cling to hate. They flex their military might at will, spilling innocent blood in the name of security. Little do they realize that the strength of our nation was never found in our military, but rather in our goodness, our spirit, our freedoms, and our prosperity.
I feel sorry for the many who follow so blindly, and who look to government and our military to care for them and to keep them safe. Those who believe that "terrorists" are the real threat, do not truly understand what is really occurring in our country. They have been brainwashed to go along, yet all the while their country falls apart around them. Their focus being far off, considering what might be, makes them blind to the dangers right outside their home.
You would think the "conservative" party would have taken a step back and listened when, recently, Navy Admiral, Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "I've said many times that I believe the single, biggest threat to our national security is our debt, so I also believe we have every responsibility to help eliminate that threat." Likewise, Ron Paul, the Congressman from Texas running in the Republican primary has stated on several occasions that we cannot afford this military adventurism overseas and that it would eventually bankrupt our nation. Even while Americans and our leaders were still in a daze from 9/11, allowing fear to overtake them, he stood up and railed before Congress saying, "If we can’t or won’t define the enemy, the cost to fight such a war will be endless. How many American troops are we prepared to lose? How much money are we prepared to spend? How many innocent civilians, in our nation and others, are we willing to see killed? How many American civilians will we jeopardize? How much of our civil liberties are we prepared to give up? How much prosperity will we sacrifice?
That single voice of reason, the one that stands on principle and truth, is still being drowned out today. We have a chance to elect a real leader in this country that has shown he is no slave to fear. Instead, sadly, most Republicans continue to vote with hatred in their hearts. They continue to be slaves to the same party that is laying the groundwork for war right outside their doorstep.
Ever since Congress passed the Patriot Act back in 2001, it seems the floodgates have been opened for more and more intrusions and abridgements of those fundamental liberties expressly protected in the Bill of Rights. From the Patriot Act, to the Military Commissions Act, to the NDAA (Indefinite Detention Act), and to now the Enemy Expatriation Act (EEA), big government Democrats AND Republicans in Washington, D.C., are clearly and unmistakingly declaring war on the American people.
This is where most of todays "Republican Conservatives" would stop and laugh about conspiracy theories and kookiness. However, let's look at a few of the policies and legislation that's been passed since 9/11:
The Patriot Act has been talked about for many years. It did more to destroy our Bill of Rights than all other pieces of legislation in American history combined. It basically allows the government to be pre-emptive in going after "terrorist suspects," to the point they can violate our Constitutional rights at will.
The year 2009 brought us The Military Commisions Act (MCA) which effectively casts aside the Constitution and the principle of habeas corpus, protecting against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. This also gave the president absolute power to designate enemy combatants, and to set his own definitions for torture.
Also in 2009, we saw an "official," secret report by Homeland Security called "The Missouri Papers" leaked to the press after they handed it down to law enforcement agencies in Missouri. It warned that, supporters of Ron Paul, Bob Barr, and Chuck Baldwin should be identified as potentially dangerous “militia members,” and Missouri State law enforcement officials were notified to be on guard. Beyond that, anyone that identified themselves as being pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, anti-Federal Reserve, Christians who believe in the return of Christ, and even returning Iraq War veterans were likewise targeted as potentially dangerous to Missouri State law enforcement personnel.
At the end of 2011, The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), otherwise known as the “Indefinite Detention Act,” was passed and signed into law by President Obama on New Years Eve of this year. This legislation gives the U.S. government the power to use the military to arrest and detain American Citizens indefinitely without trial.
And now, Congress has been working to pass other laws, such as SOPA and PIPA that will regulate the internet, thus attacking free speech and free media; but the worst may be coming, a draconian bill designed to give the federal government the power to turn American citizens into enemies of the state for virtually any reason it deems necessary.
The bill is HR 3166 and S. 1698 also known as the Enemy Expatriation Act. This bill sponsored by Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Charles Dent (R-PA) would give the US government the power to strip Americans of their citizenship WITHOUT being convicted of being "hostile" against the United States. In other words, you can be stripped of your nationality for "engaging in, or purposefully and materially supporting, hostilities against the United States." Legally, the term "hostilities" means any conflict subject to the laws of war. Considering the fact that the War on Terror is a little ambiguous and encompassing, ANY action could be labeled as supporting terrorism.
It is now or never.
The Republican party must look inside itself and remember the true roots of conservatism. They must look back into the not too distant past when we believed that a humble foreign policy was wise and part of the party platform. We can no longer be zombies in this world of warfare. The war is more about OUR hearts and minds than it is about some unnamed enemy. It is time to look for the answers that our party has not given us. It is time to seek the truth. It is time to recognize that the dangers are not overseas in a far off land, but rather right here at home. It is time to dig deep and stand together with the ONLY sane candidate in the room. It is time to follow the example of a true leader and shake this fear and hate from our hearts and our party, and stand tall! It is time to take responsibility for our part in this economic calamity, and finally recognize the dangers of these Big Government Republicans and what they represent - they have led our party astray for too long! It is time to demand honest and principled leaders. It is time to strangle this government leviathan that is reaching into our homes from Washington and wrapping its tentacles around every aspect of our lives. It is time to take back our party. It is time to fight for our country. It is time to vote for Ron Paul!
On Oct. 12, 2000, when George W. Bush was running as a Republican to become president of the United States, he was asked during a debate, "One of you is about to be elected the leader of the single most powerful nation of the world-- economically, financially, militarily, diplomatically, you name it. Have you formed any guiding principles for exercising this enormous power?"
Considering the foreign policy stance of most republicans today, the answer George W. Bush gives may surprise you. He says: "When it comes to foreign policy, that will be my guiding question. Is it in our nation's interests? Peace in the Middle East is in our nation's interests. Having a hemisphere that is free for trade and peaceful is in our nation's interests. Strong relations in Europe is in our nation's interests. I've thought a lot about what it means to be the President. I also understand an administration is not one person but an administration is dedicated citizens who are called by the President to serve the country, to serve a cause greater than self. And so I've thought about an administration of people who represent all America, but people who understand my compassionate and conservative philosophy."
He continues: "If we're an arrogant nation, they'll resent us; if we're a humble nation, but strong, they'll welcome us. And our nation stands alone right now in the world in terms of power, and that's why we've got to be humble, and yet project strength in a way that promotes freedom...I'm not so sure the role of the United States is to go around the world and say this is the way it's got to be. We can help. And maybe it's just our difference in government, the way we view government. I mean I want to empower people. I want to help people help themselves, not have government tell people what to do. I just don't think it's the role of the United States to walk into a country and say, we do it this way, so should you."
With a humble foreign policy, no nation building, and a common sense approach to foreign affairs, G.W. won over the majority of the Republican party.
And then...he forgot.
And then...we forgot.
Today we stand upon a precipice economically, and the Republican party that used to preach peace and humbleness, has become a party of pre-emptive war and nation building, touting regularly that peace is achieved through strength. Many of today's popular "Republican voices" say that this is just "the conservative way!" Opponents of this thought process are branded as "unpatriotic," and listeners are told that detractors of this philosophy "don't support the troops!" This once proud party that believed in fiscal responsibility are damning our economy with their war rhetoric and propaganda, while reaching into the minds and hearts of their base and stealing their souls. Slowly but surely, people are forgetting who they are and what conservatism truly means. They have become zombies, slipping into line and marching to the drums of war. Fear has replaced hope and the blood-lust for those they are told to fear has replaced common sense and dignity.
Fear is a natural consequence when one loses control. In that instant, two things can happen: A man can conquer his fear, learn from his mistakes, and become stronger for it, or that man can cower down, and become a slave to that fear he so desperately hates. The men who lead this country have given in to fear. The pundits and personalities on the news and radios are slaves to it. The few voices of reason are drowned out by the chorus of desperate voices that cling to hate. They flex their military might at will, spilling innocent blood in the name of security. Little do they realize that the strength of our nation was never found in our military, but rather in our goodness, our spirit, our freedoms, and our prosperity.
I feel sorry for the many who follow so blindly, and who look to government and our military to care for them and to keep them safe. Those who believe that "terrorists" are the real threat, do not truly understand what is really occurring in our country. They have been brainwashed to go along, yet all the while their country falls apart around them. Their focus being far off, considering what might be, makes them blind to the dangers right outside their home.
You would think the "conservative" party would have taken a step back and listened when, recently, Navy Admiral, Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "I've said many times that I believe the single, biggest threat to our national security is our debt, so I also believe we have every responsibility to help eliminate that threat." Likewise, Ron Paul, the Congressman from Texas running in the Republican primary has stated on several occasions that we cannot afford this military adventurism overseas and that it would eventually bankrupt our nation. Even while Americans and our leaders were still in a daze from 9/11, allowing fear to overtake them, he stood up and railed before Congress saying, "If we can’t or won’t define the enemy, the cost to fight such a war will be endless. How many American troops are we prepared to lose? How much money are we prepared to spend? How many innocent civilians, in our nation and others, are we willing to see killed? How many American civilians will we jeopardize? How much of our civil liberties are we prepared to give up? How much prosperity will we sacrifice?
That single voice of reason, the one that stands on principle and truth, is still being drowned out today. We have a chance to elect a real leader in this country that has shown he is no slave to fear. Instead, sadly, most Republicans continue to vote with hatred in their hearts. They continue to be slaves to the same party that is laying the groundwork for war right outside their doorstep.
Ever since Congress passed the Patriot Act back in 2001, it seems the floodgates have been opened for more and more intrusions and abridgements of those fundamental liberties expressly protected in the Bill of Rights. From the Patriot Act, to the Military Commissions Act, to the NDAA (Indefinite Detention Act), and to now the Enemy Expatriation Act (EEA), big government Democrats AND Republicans in Washington, D.C., are clearly and unmistakingly declaring war on the American people.
This is where most of todays "Republican Conservatives" would stop and laugh about conspiracy theories and kookiness. However, let's look at a few of the policies and legislation that's been passed since 9/11:
The Patriot Act has been talked about for many years. It did more to destroy our Bill of Rights than all other pieces of legislation in American history combined. It basically allows the government to be pre-emptive in going after "terrorist suspects," to the point they can violate our Constitutional rights at will.
The year 2009 brought us The Military Commisions Act (MCA) which effectively casts aside the Constitution and the principle of habeas corpus, protecting against unlawful and indefinite imprisonment. This also gave the president absolute power to designate enemy combatants, and to set his own definitions for torture.
Also in 2009, we saw an "official," secret report by Homeland Security called "The Missouri Papers" leaked to the press after they handed it down to law enforcement agencies in Missouri. It warned that, supporters of Ron Paul, Bob Barr, and Chuck Baldwin should be identified as potentially dangerous “militia members,” and Missouri State law enforcement officials were notified to be on guard. Beyond that, anyone that identified themselves as being pro-life, pro-Second Amendment, anti-Federal Reserve, Christians who believe in the return of Christ, and even returning Iraq War veterans were likewise targeted as potentially dangerous to Missouri State law enforcement personnel.
At the end of 2011, The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), otherwise known as the “Indefinite Detention Act,” was passed and signed into law by President Obama on New Years Eve of this year. This legislation gives the U.S. government the power to use the military to arrest and detain American Citizens indefinitely without trial.
And now, Congress has been working to pass other laws, such as SOPA and PIPA that will regulate the internet, thus attacking free speech and free media; but the worst may be coming, a draconian bill designed to give the federal government the power to turn American citizens into enemies of the state for virtually any reason it deems necessary.
The bill is HR 3166 and S. 1698 also known as the Enemy Expatriation Act. This bill sponsored by Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Charles Dent (R-PA) would give the US government the power to strip Americans of their citizenship WITHOUT being convicted of being "hostile" against the United States. In other words, you can be stripped of your nationality for "engaging in, or purposefully and materially supporting, hostilities against the United States." Legally, the term "hostilities" means any conflict subject to the laws of war. Considering the fact that the War on Terror is a little ambiguous and encompassing, ANY action could be labeled as supporting terrorism.
It is now or never.
The Republican party must look inside itself and remember the true roots of conservatism. They must look back into the not too distant past when we believed that a humble foreign policy was wise and part of the party platform. We can no longer be zombies in this world of warfare. The war is more about OUR hearts and minds than it is about some unnamed enemy. It is time to look for the answers that our party has not given us. It is time to seek the truth. It is time to recognize that the dangers are not overseas in a far off land, but rather right here at home. It is time to dig deep and stand together with the ONLY sane candidate in the room. It is time to follow the example of a true leader and shake this fear and hate from our hearts and our party, and stand tall! It is time to take responsibility for our part in this economic calamity, and finally recognize the dangers of these Big Government Republicans and what they represent - they have led our party astray for too long! It is time to demand honest and principled leaders. It is time to strangle this government leviathan that is reaching into our homes from Washington and wrapping its tentacles around every aspect of our lives. It is time to take back our party. It is time to fight for our country. It is time to vote for Ron Paul!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Christianity and Ron Paul - The Just War Theory
Travis Jackson, CC
Being a Christian man, I am amazed at the number of other Christians and Christian leaders that refuse to support Ron Paul's campaign. Countless times I have heard men and women say that Ron Paul has good ideas but his foreign policy is crazy, or insane, or isolationist. I believe the failure to recognize the merits of his foreign policy is dangerous and that blindly going into war is completely incompatible with Christian doctrine. It is becoming apparent to me that fewer and fewer Christians actually understand the lessons that Jesus taught while on this earth.
The idea of pre-emptive war is not, in any way, compatible with what I believe to be the heart of the message of Christ. To deny this is folly and will only sink us deeper into the mess we are in economically, and further diminish the respect that we once maintained around the world. It is interesting to me that the biggest proponents of war are Christians themselves. Although most claim to be conservative, they are willing to spend this country into oblivion to "defend freedom." Economically, many understand that continued domestic spending poses a threat to the health of our nation, but readily support printing and borrowing money to keep America "safe" through the barrel of a gun. Some applaud at the thought of bombing our unnamed enemies. Some will even agree that the unintended consequence of killing innocent Iraqis, Afghans, or Iranians is simply a consequence of war and can be excused. I say, the biggest threat to our freedom is the continuation of a flawed foreign policy that will only result in the loss of the heart and soul of America.
Once upon a time we believed in the "Just War Theory." Ron Paul brings this up time and time again in his arguments of why we should have a sane foreign policy. His stance on war comes from his convictions. His convictions are born of his belief in Christian principles. Yet, these convictions are marginalized and questioned by some of the most ardent of "Christians."
For those of you who do not understand what Dr. Paul is talking about, the main points of the Just War Theory are as follows:
-A just war can only be waged as a last resort. All non-violent options must be exhausted before the use of force can be justified.
-A war is just only if it is waged by a legitimate authority. Even just causes cannot be served by actions taken by individuals or groups who do not constitute an authority sanctioned by whatever the society and outsiders to the society deem legitimate.
-A just war can only be fought to redress a wrong suffered. For example, self-defense against an armed attack is always considered to be a just cause (although the justice of the cause is not sufficient--see point #4). Further, a just war can only be fought with "right" intentions: the only permissible objective of a just war is to redress the injury.
-A war can only be just if it is fought with a reasonable chance of success. Deaths and injury incurred in a hopeless cause are not morally justifiable.
-The ultimate goal of a just war is to re-establish peace. More specifically, the peace established after the war must be preferable to the peace that would have prevailed if the war had not been fought.
-The violence used in the war must be proportional to the injury suffered. States are prohibited from using force not necessary to attain the limited objective of addressing the injury suffered.
-The weapons used in war must discriminate between combatants and non-combatants. Civilians are never permissible targets of war, and every effort must be taken to avoid killing civilians. The deaths of civilians are justified only if they are unavoidable victims of a deliberate attack on a military target.
Jesus did not come to this earth to force people to follow him; it was his example and his message that attracted people to him. It should be easy to understand that force is the least effective way to lead. It creates in the subjugate resentment and anger. This is why using force of arms to achieve peace is unnecessary and ignoble, and why ultimately, it will fail. However, the United States' foreign policy is built upon this very premise and it has created "unintended consequences," which Ron Paul and our own CIA has cited as blowback. It is our insistence on meddling in the affairs of other nations that stirs up resentment and hatred of our country. It is irrational to believe that these so called "terrorists" attack us because we are free and prosperous. If this were so, why are they not attacking other free nations? As Ron Paul has stated on numerous occasions, maybe we should take time to listen to our enemies' lists of grievances as to why they attack us. Perhaps we can learn something from them. Perhaps we can achieve peace through diplomacy and compromise. Perhaps we can come up with a solution that doesn't lead to war unnecessarily.
The truth of the matter is that wars of aggression will always create more enemies than are destroyed. With our current foreign policy, these new enemies will only be used as an excuse for more war. It is a never-ending cycle which will lead to never-ending war, with peace being unattainable. Such a foreign policy will only serve to erode the very foundation of freedom and liberty, not only for the world, but for us here at home. It should also be noted that economically it is unsustainable. Before long, much like Rome before us, our corrupt empire will fail from within.
If peace through force creates enemies, should not the opposite be true? If Christ is our example, should we not look to scripture to guide us? John 3:16 says that "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son..." The question remains, did God save the world through force or through something quite different? It is love that saves us, and it is love that creates peace in all men's hearts. If we are truly concerned for others, would we needlessly bomb them? If we truly desired peace would we still cling to this idea of pre-emptive war? Why is Ron Paul mocked because he desires peace? Does scripture not teach us the following?:
Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:7 - "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall shall be called Sons of God."
When did we forget that we should be representing these basic tenets of The Law? Is gentleness, mercy, and striving for peace weak? Is it outdated? Is our love and mercy merely reserved to ourselves and fellow Christians? Is it only to be applied to Americans?
Matthew 5:43-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'You should love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your father who is in heaven, for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Ignoring such simple teachings has transformed us into a nation of Pharisees. Now, as we vote to elect the next leader of our once great nation, many Christians are ignoring the only candidate that represents the very ideals that Christ taught!
Tonight, in South Carolina during a debate, Ron Paul stated that we should apply the Golden Rule to how we deal with other nations and was booed by the audience! When is "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you" or "loving your neighbor as yourself" unpopular among Christians? Have we sunk so far that we cannot recognize the evils of pre-emptive war? Jesus was especially critical of the Pharisees in his time for ignoring "the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness...." (Mt 23:23) and it makes me wonder, what he would say today. Would he support Americans blindly following a policy of aggressive war and reprisal without considering the consequences? In Iraq, over 100,000 innocent people were killed based on the lie of weapons of mass destruction. Would Christ agree with our irrational fear of a helpless nation like Iran trying to defend itself from a meddling superpower? Iran has not attacked us in any way, and are incapable of doing so, yet, we want to drop bombs on them and start a war over possibilities? Is this just? Is this merciful? Is Iran worthy of our fear? Are you willing to risk killing another 100,000 innocent people to make a point? In Matthew 10:28 Jesus says, "Do not fear those that kill the body but unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Ask yourself, who should fear who?
I think it is time we re-think our position on foreign policy. I think it is time that we consider Matthew 5:14-16 where it says "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden...it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Christians who do not stand with Ron Paul should be ashamed. Those who ridicule his positions without giving them proper thought are as guilty as our leaders and corporations that profit off of war and death. Even Solomon, the wisest of men said "When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
Ron Paul, in 30 years of public service, has consistently warned of the dangers facing this nation. He has consistently stood for the American people and defended the Constitution. He predicted the economic collapse that we are currently facing and he was right when he warned Congress about overreacting in respect to Iraq. Despite this, he has been smeared and ridiculed, lied about, and ignored. Have we forgotten that Christ said we will be blessed "when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me...?" (Mt 5:11)
It is time to take a stand. Thomas Jefferson said, "Every country has the government it deserves." For too long, the people of this nation have elected leaders that were not worthy of being leaders. A vote for the lesser of two evils is still a vote for evil. Do not be fooled into thinking that this election does not matter. We deserve better and should demand better. The drums of war are sounding once again and we need to ask ourselves, can we really afford to be wrong again? Should we elect a leader who will mindlessly lead us into more war? Did Jesus not say in respect to Jerusalem "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19:42) Would he not say these very words to us today?
To men of all faiths I make this plea. Open your eyes! Do not be like the Pharisees who Jesus considered to be "...whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." (Mt 23:27) It is time to repent as individuals and as a nation. It is time to once again, through peace and example, become a city on a hill for the whole world to see. Jesus taught this, and our Founding fathers understood this. Ron Paul is the only candidate that has shown he believes it.
Being a Christian man, I am amazed at the number of other Christians and Christian leaders that refuse to support Ron Paul's campaign. Countless times I have heard men and women say that Ron Paul has good ideas but his foreign policy is crazy, or insane, or isolationist. I believe the failure to recognize the merits of his foreign policy is dangerous and that blindly going into war is completely incompatible with Christian doctrine. It is becoming apparent to me that fewer and fewer Christians actually understand the lessons that Jesus taught while on this earth.
The idea of pre-emptive war is not, in any way, compatible with what I believe to be the heart of the message of Christ. To deny this is folly and will only sink us deeper into the mess we are in economically, and further diminish the respect that we once maintained around the world. It is interesting to me that the biggest proponents of war are Christians themselves. Although most claim to be conservative, they are willing to spend this country into oblivion to "defend freedom." Economically, many understand that continued domestic spending poses a threat to the health of our nation, but readily support printing and borrowing money to keep America "safe" through the barrel of a gun. Some applaud at the thought of bombing our unnamed enemies. Some will even agree that the unintended consequence of killing innocent Iraqis, Afghans, or Iranians is simply a consequence of war and can be excused. I say, the biggest threat to our freedom is the continuation of a flawed foreign policy that will only result in the loss of the heart and soul of America.
Once upon a time we believed in the "Just War Theory." Ron Paul brings this up time and time again in his arguments of why we should have a sane foreign policy. His stance on war comes from his convictions. His convictions are born of his belief in Christian principles. Yet, these convictions are marginalized and questioned by some of the most ardent of "Christians."
For those of you who do not understand what Dr. Paul is talking about, the main points of the Just War Theory are as follows:
-A just war can only be waged as a last resort. All non-violent options must be exhausted before the use of force can be justified.
-A war is just only if it is waged by a legitimate authority. Even just causes cannot be served by actions taken by individuals or groups who do not constitute an authority sanctioned by whatever the society and outsiders to the society deem legitimate.
-A just war can only be fought to redress a wrong suffered. For example, self-defense against an armed attack is always considered to be a just cause (although the justice of the cause is not sufficient--see point #4). Further, a just war can only be fought with "right" intentions: the only permissible objective of a just war is to redress the injury.
-A war can only be just if it is fought with a reasonable chance of success. Deaths and injury incurred in a hopeless cause are not morally justifiable.
-The ultimate goal of a just war is to re-establish peace. More specifically, the peace established after the war must be preferable to the peace that would have prevailed if the war had not been fought.
-The violence used in the war must be proportional to the injury suffered. States are prohibited from using force not necessary to attain the limited objective of addressing the injury suffered.
-The weapons used in war must discriminate between combatants and non-combatants. Civilians are never permissible targets of war, and every effort must be taken to avoid killing civilians. The deaths of civilians are justified only if they are unavoidable victims of a deliberate attack on a military target.
Jesus did not come to this earth to force people to follow him; it was his example and his message that attracted people to him. It should be easy to understand that force is the least effective way to lead. It creates in the subjugate resentment and anger. This is why using force of arms to achieve peace is unnecessary and ignoble, and why ultimately, it will fail. However, the United States' foreign policy is built upon this very premise and it has created "unintended consequences," which Ron Paul and our own CIA has cited as blowback. It is our insistence on meddling in the affairs of other nations that stirs up resentment and hatred of our country. It is irrational to believe that these so called "terrorists" attack us because we are free and prosperous. If this were so, why are they not attacking other free nations? As Ron Paul has stated on numerous occasions, maybe we should take time to listen to our enemies' lists of grievances as to why they attack us. Perhaps we can learn something from them. Perhaps we can achieve peace through diplomacy and compromise. Perhaps we can come up with a solution that doesn't lead to war unnecessarily.
The truth of the matter is that wars of aggression will always create more enemies than are destroyed. With our current foreign policy, these new enemies will only be used as an excuse for more war. It is a never-ending cycle which will lead to never-ending war, with peace being unattainable. Such a foreign policy will only serve to erode the very foundation of freedom and liberty, not only for the world, but for us here at home. It should also be noted that economically it is unsustainable. Before long, much like Rome before us, our corrupt empire will fail from within.
If peace through force creates enemies, should not the opposite be true? If Christ is our example, should we not look to scripture to guide us? John 3:16 says that "for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son..." The question remains, did God save the world through force or through something quite different? It is love that saves us, and it is love that creates peace in all men's hearts. If we are truly concerned for others, would we needlessly bomb them? If we truly desired peace would we still cling to this idea of pre-emptive war? Why is Ron Paul mocked because he desires peace? Does scripture not teach us the following?:
Matthew 5:5 - "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:7 - "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
Matthew 5:9 - "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall shall be called Sons of God."
When did we forget that we should be representing these basic tenets of The Law? Is gentleness, mercy, and striving for peace weak? Is it outdated? Is our love and mercy merely reserved to ourselves and fellow Christians? Is it only to be applied to Americans?
Matthew 5:43-48 - "You have heard that it was said, 'You should love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your father who is in heaven, for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect."
Ignoring such simple teachings has transformed us into a nation of Pharisees. Now, as we vote to elect the next leader of our once great nation, many Christians are ignoring the only candidate that represents the very ideals that Christ taught!
Tonight, in South Carolina during a debate, Ron Paul stated that we should apply the Golden Rule to how we deal with other nations and was booed by the audience! When is "doing unto others as you would have them do unto you" or "loving your neighbor as yourself" unpopular among Christians? Have we sunk so far that we cannot recognize the evils of pre-emptive war? Jesus was especially critical of the Pharisees in his time for ignoring "the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness...." (Mt 23:23) and it makes me wonder, what he would say today. Would he support Americans blindly following a policy of aggressive war and reprisal without considering the consequences? In Iraq, over 100,000 innocent people were killed based on the lie of weapons of mass destruction. Would Christ agree with our irrational fear of a helpless nation like Iran trying to defend itself from a meddling superpower? Iran has not attacked us in any way, and are incapable of doing so, yet, we want to drop bombs on them and start a war over possibilities? Is this just? Is this merciful? Is Iran worthy of our fear? Are you willing to risk killing another 100,000 innocent people to make a point? In Matthew 10:28 Jesus says, "Do not fear those that kill the body but unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Ask yourself, who should fear who?
I think it is time we re-think our position on foreign policy. I think it is time that we consider Matthew 5:14-16 where it says "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden...it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
Christians who do not stand with Ron Paul should be ashamed. Those who ridicule his positions without giving them proper thought are as guilty as our leaders and corporations that profit off of war and death. Even Solomon, the wisest of men said "When a man's ways please the LORD, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him." (Proverbs 16:7)
Ron Paul, in 30 years of public service, has consistently warned of the dangers facing this nation. He has consistently stood for the American people and defended the Constitution. He predicted the economic collapse that we are currently facing and he was right when he warned Congress about overreacting in respect to Iraq. Despite this, he has been smeared and ridiculed, lied about, and ignored. Have we forgotten that Christ said we will be blessed "when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me...?" (Mt 5:11)
It is time to take a stand. Thomas Jefferson said, "Every country has the government it deserves." For too long, the people of this nation have elected leaders that were not worthy of being leaders. A vote for the lesser of two evils is still a vote for evil. Do not be fooled into thinking that this election does not matter. We deserve better and should demand better. The drums of war are sounding once again and we need to ask ourselves, can we really afford to be wrong again? Should we elect a leader who will mindlessly lead us into more war? Did Jesus not say in respect to Jerusalem "If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes." (Luke 19:42) Would he not say these very words to us today?
To men of all faiths I make this plea. Open your eyes! Do not be like the Pharisees who Jesus considered to be "...whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness." (Mt 23:27) It is time to repent as individuals and as a nation. It is time to once again, through peace and example, become a city on a hill for the whole world to see. Jesus taught this, and our Founding fathers understood this. Ron Paul is the only candidate that has shown he believes it.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Cause of Freedom
Travis Jackson, CC
What made America great in the past was the spirit of liberty that resounded in the hearts and minds of her citizens. Freedom was something that was fought for and gained on the battlefield sure, but it was also an intellectual war that gained momentum on a continent far removed from the halls of tyranny in England.
Today, part of the population understands the basic principles of freedom, part are beginning to realize something is not quite right with the direction of our government and her policies, and some simply do not care. Those who do not care are not really necessarily to blame. They have been culled into a mindset of rights and privilege and educated to believe government is the caretaker.
So we fight this fight without them, deflecting the barbs and slings of media and the establishment with common sense arguments and a hope for something better.
Today I read a blog downplaying the significance of Ron Paul's run for President. One of the authors arguments was as follows: "...but Paul is mentoring a significant slice of young Americans to hate government and to disparage any notion of a common purpose."
Here is my reply:
Mr. Lou,
I have to respectfully disagree with you on this line from your article.
Ron Paul is considered a mentor by many of us Americans, not just the young people. I am 35 years old and was re-awakened in 2007 during Ron Paul’s run for the Republican nomination. I am upper middle class, and am well educated. I will not bore you with details on how I came to where I am in my support of Dr. Paul, but it is important to remember that Ron Paul’s reach goes far beyond a small group of college kids.
It is, in fact, the common purpose of liberty that unites us all. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not Ron Paul himself that creates such support, but rather, the ideas that he has steadfastly and honorably represented in his time in Washington. He garners such a following because he is incorruptible, often being the lone voice of reason screaming on the road less traveled. I heard it said recently that “Most politicians spend their career chasing the electorate.” “Ron Paul is unique in that he’s spent his career for decades standing in one place, and now people are coming to him.”
His ideas of limited government, personal liberty, and a common sense approach to foreign policy should be ideas that everyone should embrace. They are the ideas of our heritage, the views of our founders, and the very principles that inspired the writing of our Constitution.
To insinuate that he is in any way teaching others to hate government is an argument born of fallacy and a lack of understanding. Government is always dangerous because of man’s quest for power. Thomas Jefferson said, “In questions of power then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.”
It is not a question of hating government, but one of distrust in the men who seek power to control the people. This is and always has been the danger of any central government. It is an ideological battle that the founders understood and once upon a time (not too long ago) Americans embraced. Ron Paul is the messenger that reminds us of our duty to our country and to one another. This movement and our support of Dr. Paul is not a fight to overthrow government, but rather, a fight to return the power back to its rightful place, the people. We do this for Paul, we do this for ourselves, and more importantly, we do it for all Americans, even those like you who do not yet realize the importance of the battle we are in.
What made America great in the past was the spirit of liberty that resounded in the hearts and minds of her citizens. Freedom was something that was fought for and gained on the battlefield sure, but it was also an intellectual war that gained momentum on a continent far removed from the halls of tyranny in England.
Today, part of the population understands the basic principles of freedom, part are beginning to realize something is not quite right with the direction of our government and her policies, and some simply do not care. Those who do not care are not really necessarily to blame. They have been culled into a mindset of rights and privilege and educated to believe government is the caretaker.
So we fight this fight without them, deflecting the barbs and slings of media and the establishment with common sense arguments and a hope for something better.
Today I read a blog downplaying the significance of Ron Paul's run for President. One of the authors arguments was as follows: "...but Paul is mentoring a significant slice of young Americans to hate government and to disparage any notion of a common purpose."
Here is my reply:
Mr. Lou,
I have to respectfully disagree with you on this line from your article.
Ron Paul is considered a mentor by many of us Americans, not just the young people. I am 35 years old and was re-awakened in 2007 during Ron Paul’s run for the Republican nomination. I am upper middle class, and am well educated. I will not bore you with details on how I came to where I am in my support of Dr. Paul, but it is important to remember that Ron Paul’s reach goes far beyond a small group of college kids.
It is, in fact, the common purpose of liberty that unites us all. Contrary to popular opinion, it is not Ron Paul himself that creates such support, but rather, the ideas that he has steadfastly and honorably represented in his time in Washington. He garners such a following because he is incorruptible, often being the lone voice of reason screaming on the road less traveled. I heard it said recently that “Most politicians spend their career chasing the electorate.” “Ron Paul is unique in that he’s spent his career for decades standing in one place, and now people are coming to him.”
His ideas of limited government, personal liberty, and a common sense approach to foreign policy should be ideas that everyone should embrace. They are the ideas of our heritage, the views of our founders, and the very principles that inspired the writing of our Constitution.
To insinuate that he is in any way teaching others to hate government is an argument born of fallacy and a lack of understanding. Government is always dangerous because of man’s quest for power. Thomas Jefferson said, “In questions of power then, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.”
It is not a question of hating government, but one of distrust in the men who seek power to control the people. This is and always has been the danger of any central government. It is an ideological battle that the founders understood and once upon a time (not too long ago) Americans embraced. Ron Paul is the messenger that reminds us of our duty to our country and to one another. This movement and our support of Dr. Paul is not a fight to overthrow government, but rather, a fight to return the power back to its rightful place, the people. We do this for Paul, we do this for ourselves, and more importantly, we do it for all Americans, even those like you who do not yet realize the importance of the battle we are in.
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