Vote With Discernment

                                      

As we rapidly approach Election Day, November 6^th, and if you’re like many American citizens, you’re contemplating the direction our country should take.  There’s a palpable sense of urgency so intense it can almost be felt. The feelings of the bipartisan divide are so wide and discernable it manifests itself like a behemoth emerging from a deep slumber in the depths of the sea, and as it crashes to the surface it leaves a trail of disturbed water and particles stirring and bubbling in its wake.  Will our country ever be able to tame the wild beast?  I do not know. I am certain of some things though, and that is our government, as it exists today, has gotten out of control.  We can all see the obvious spending, rules and regulations, and laws that have been forced down our throats; I’m surprised any of us can breath. However, I’m waiting for the ball to drop on all the other more shrewd and devious decisions being made on our behalf without our even knowing it.  What would our Founding Fathers think of this country if they saw: bills being passed before they are even read, copious riders attached to bills not even the Cavalry could stop, colleges perpetrating the ideal of our country not being founded on Godly principles? As they listen to the so called, “ninety-nine percent”, saying the “one percent” have negative effects on society, would they ask, “did simple economics 101 fly out the window of common sense?”  Would they be dismayed that the idea of “pro choice” is only for those with a voice to hear, but silence that can only be heard from a mother’s heart is left to scream in the darkness…how far have we slid down that slippery slope?  Our Founding Fathers, I wouldn’t hesitate to say, would roll over in their graves and wonder why they gave their lives for freedom. Yell, if you must, curse those who you don’t agree with, but for our Country’s sake, take a stand! Vote.

Vote if you truly understand that the President and Congress do not have unlimited powers to provide for the general welfare of all, and should not! This only creates a nation of entitlement individuals who do not partake in the forward movement for the betterment of all, that everyone is obliged to contribute his share.  Our government was created and instituted by the people for their common good, protection, safety and prosperity, but when that government steps out of its intended role, it is an indefeasible right of the people to reform, alter, or totally change it. If you are capable of understanding and seeing the difference between right and wrong, true and false, virtue and vice within the government, then vote. If you grew up with the notion if you work hard and persevere dreams can come true. If exercising your inalienable right to work or not work, to spend or not spend, to live in a hole or in a palace, to speak your cause or hold your tongue, to practice your religion or not have any religion, then vote, because you can! 

However, if you believe the government is there to hold your hand, put food on your table, clothe you, house you, give you a car, pay for your education, and fix every boo-boo, then please stay home or contemplate moving to Greece, or the Czech Republic, or Cuba where their social commentary better reflects your needs. Please don’t drink the Kool-Aid, but try to recognize and acknowledge a government capable and strong and large enough to give you everything you need or want, is also capable, eventually, of taking it all away.  Freedom and Liberty once changed or lost can never be restored. If you are so blind, ignorant, or lazy that you cannot see this, recognize it, or want to change it, then may God have mercy on our country, and the direction it is headed.

“It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace²but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!   Patrick Henry

lib·er·ty/ˈlibərtē/  noun 1.the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on ones way of life, behavior or political views.