Positioning Ourselves for Service

Tags

"freebies", "Stand Down", Benghazi-gate, election 2012, entitlement gap, fast-furious, GOP, Kardashian, liberty, Osama bin Laden, Rush Limbaugh, Santa Claus, SEAL Team 6, Snooki, Traditional American Values

Election 2012 resulted in a disappointing observation. To quote Rush Limbaugh, “In a nation of children, Santa Claus won!”

How do we get past the “entitlement” mentality of half of America? How do we bridge the “entitlement” gap?

In the span of a generation, the American culture has flipped 180°. It was a beloved Democrat, JFK, that delivered the famous admonition: “Ask NOT what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Today’s Democrats (with the GOP not far behind) ran on a platform of “freebies” in exchange for liberty. Of course, they don’t explain it that way, but history tells us repeatedly to guard our liberty from any and all who would put a pricetag on it. Apparently, a majority of Americans have placed a very low price on their liberty – “Obamacare?” The Affordable Care Act will tax Americans (but not illegals) with an income of $14,000 an additional $2500 annually if they do not purchase the “State Insurance Plan!” Does that sound “AFFORDABLE” or “fair” to you?

There are other evidences of this irresponsible, myopic vision. This administration has a number of unresolved events with catastrophic results.

• The FBI debacle known as “Fast & Furious” got as far as the White House in its investigation, and President Obama claimed “Executive” privilege. The only way he can legally do that is if he is intimately involved. Hello?
• Obama’s claim to fame, the capture and … Of Osama bin Laden, though a successful mission, proved a precursor to the revelation that the event could have occurred sooner, but President Obama …hesitated. The heroic SEAL Team 6, responsible for this victory, was “outed” by the White House and soon after, a chopper with an unusual number of this team,  20 SEALS, were shot down mysteriously killing all plus the flight crew – 23 in all. This is, apparently, still … under investigation. Is anyone still asking why so many spec ops agents were on board an unarmored chopper? Does anyone care?
• “Benghazi-gate” is our most recent event of, what seems like treason. The administration continues to hide behind “the investigation,” but we know the attack was watched LIVE from the White House. We know troops nearby on the ground were ordered to “Stand Down.” We know Gen Ham and Gen Allen, both distinguished career officers, refused to obey the order to “stand down,” and were relieved of duty within 24 hours. We know the administration has, with the help of the lap-dog media, succeeded in turning the bloody attack which resulted in the deaths of 4 Americans into a run-of-the-mill DC  sex scandal. Has America moved on to whatever the Kardashian girls or Snooki are doing today?

That doesn’t even touch the election, itself! Have you looked at the “results” map? How does the President win with so few “blue” specks amid the sea of red? Turnout results in some districts greater than 100% of registered voters, multiple precincts reported 100% for Obama – 0 for Romney, Donald Duck or Mickey Mouse … or any other candidate. Strange? Curious? Or just don’t care?

I don’t know how far our nation will have to fall before enough Americans care. I don’t know what might affect the change sufficient to re-awaken the attitude JFK called forth 40 years ago. This much I know, our Founders understood the elements required to build, establish, and maintain a Republic: personal sacrifice, virtue, and free trade!

As for me and my house, we will trust the Lord! This is where things get “radical.” I have told my adult children, and I’m suggesting to you, Patriots, that the only thing we have to cling to right now is what separates us from the Left AND the GOP >>> Traditional American Values! In this transition time, we, as Patriots, need to affirm our belief in our individual & personal FAITH – whatever that may be. We need to position ourselves to be of service to others in the “dark” (and dark is a relative term) days to come. Our WORDS must be put into action for the benefit of others who are struggling. THAT is the ONLY thing short of “bottoming out” that will turn the tide of entitlement around … maybe! But this I know, my God is still on His throne, and His will will be accomplished. My prayer remains the same: that America (and therefore Americans) will take a “reality” pill and … make the Right choice as individual Patriots.

“Right now I call the sky and the earth to be witnesses that I am offering you this choice. Will you choose for the Lord to make you prosperous and give you a long life? Or will he put you under a curse and kill you?
Choose life!”

Deuteronomy 30:19 CEV

Related Reading:

SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF LIBERTY

A STATISTICAL LOOK AT THE DECLINE OF AMERICAN VALUES

Soft Despotism, Democracy’s Drift: Montesquieu, Rousseau, Tocqueville, and the Modern Prospect

Pillars of the Republic

A Free State…If You Can Keep It

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12 Reasons to Vote Democratic

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Wasn’t there something about … Oh yea, the 4th Amendment:
Amendment IV

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

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President Barack Obama told reporters last night that the U.S. Constitution has become a hindrance to progress in America. “The document is so out-dated, that it is now becoming a hindrance to governing the country.”

Just what the Founders warned would happen at some point, when the PEOPLE took their eye off the Gov’t.

“Our peculiar security is in the possession of a written Constitution.
Let us not make it a blank paper by construction.” ~ Thomas Jefferson to W, Nicholas, 1803.

America at War via Conservative Thinking

READ, weep, pray ……. via Conservative Thinking

Blogathon Carries On …

OK, well … I’m enjoying a nice long weekend, mostly with family, but it seems I have some “time off” to attend my personal “stuff!” My friend “Citizen Tom” nominated me for this lovely – award/challenge! Thanks Tom!

What to do? Well, here are the rules.

1. Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves.

2. They must also answer the 11 questions the “tagger” has set for them.

3. They must create 11 more questions to ask bloggers they have decided to tag.

4. They must then choose 11 bloggers and tag them in their post.

5. These “lucky” bloggers must then be told.

6. No tag backs.

Here are the questions for the people I was tagged by TOM to answer. Since this is a blog that mixes politics and religion I will alternate between the two. When you answer, feel free to elaborate.

1. What is your favorite Bible story?
   hahaha Well, right off the bat, my hackles go up at the phrasing of this question! (I’m such a “heretic!”) There are parables in the Bible, and there are illustrations of Biblical principles but I choose not to call them stories because, to many, that gives them less importance! Anyway … My favorite would have to be, though it is a difficult choice, the advent of the Birth of Christ. From the conception of John the Baptist through the lamentations in the streets for the slaying of two year old babies it is absolutely fascinating to see the Sovereign Provision of God, how the prophecies of the Old Covenant are fulfilled to the letter …




2. Who is your favorite president?
   George Washington! Such a principled man, a man of extreme inner strength of character – strong enough to withstand the cry of the people to make him King! It amazes me and frustrates me because we see few such men or women in “public service” today.
3. What is your favorite book in the Bible?
   This changes from time to time, but I’d have to say currently it is Psalms. There is a Psalm to fit EVERY human need, condition, and emotion, and it’s a comfort to know that David was a “man after God’s own heart” even though he was a horrible father, and murderer, an adulterer, but he had a repentant, “teachable” heart.
4. What is your favorite person in history? Does not have to be a political leader.

   Well … after some thought, the one(s) I admire most throughout history are the ones excluded from the hsitory books except by generalizations. The feudal farmers, the early American settlers, the tribal peoples around the world, those who have endured grave oppression, those who have sacrificed personally for the good of others … The nameless heroes throughout time. His name is … the OTHER!

5. Which of parables that Jesus told has had the most significance in your life?

   The Parable of the Bags of Gold (Mt 25: 14-30) – to whom much is given, much is expected (and I’m not talking taxes here!!)

6. What type of government do you think works best?
   ” … government of the people, by the people, for the people” because it takes into account HUMAN NATURE!
7. Which character in the Bible do you identify with the most?

   DAVID! lol Imperfect, sinner yet called “a man after God’s own heart!” I want to be that … A woman after God’s own heart!

8. Have you read a book about politics?

   Yes, currently making my way through a few: the The 5000 Year Leap, by W. Cleon Skousen; Miracles of the American Revolution, by Larkin Spivey; and the political thriller, Black List, by Brad Thor.

9. Have you read a book about religion?

   Yes, but interestingly, the books I have read on “religion” are also books with a political flavor, as well. As listed above, The Celtic Crusades trilogy, and The Dragon King Saga (fiction), by Stephen R. Lawhead; and Miracles of the American Revolution, by Larkin Spivey

10. If you answered “yes” to question 8, please name the book and the author. SEE #8! lol
11. If you answered “yes” to question 9, please name the book and the author. SEE #9! 🙂

The Parable of the Bags of Gold: Mt 25:14 – 30

Here are the blogs I tagged. Why did I pick these blogs? Why did I pick you? Your blog discusses either (or both) politics and religion. I enjoy reading your posts, and I believe others will enjoy reading them, too! 🙂 I hope you do not find this too annoying or tedious!

Should you choose to accept this mission, here are your 11 questions:

1. Where is your birthplace?

2. Have you traveled outside the USA? Where & why?

3. What is your favorite genre of music? Artist?

4. Do you have a personal HERO? Who & why? or Why not?

5. Glass half-full or half empty? Why?

6. What motivates you to get up in the morning?

7. Do you have a favorite novel or film? Title & author/director

8. Have you enjoyed any affiliation with the US Military?

9. Beverage of choice?

10. Favorite non-computer activity

11. On a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being Off-the-charts, how do you rate your passion for the USA?

You lucky chosen ones … must answer these questions to the best of your ability. This post will NOT self-destruct, but YOU might if you refuse to participate! 😉

1. America’s Watchtower

2. Village of the Banned

3. The Unknown Soldier Blog

4. The Constitution Club

5. Sword at the Ready

6. The Patriot Factor

7. Socialism is not the Answer

8. The Lorinov Report

9. Nice Deb

10. Freedombytheway

11. Green Mountain Scribes

Thanksgiving for Our Heritage of Liberty ~ Can we KEEP it?

Tags

and the pursuit of happiness, Endowed by our Creator, liberty, life, Thanksgiving, US Constitution

Thanksgiving for Liberty ‘Endowed by Our Creator’

“I do recommend and assign Thursday … next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be.” –George Washington (October 3, 1789)

By Mark Alexander

As is our tradition, we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends in the mountains of East Tennessee — in warm homes with plenty.

Though I do not let a day pass without expressions of gratitude to our Creator for His provision, too often I fail to take account of the full measure of His gifts. My failure, at times, to adequately express this gratitude stems from preoccupation with the challenges I face as an individual, and moreover, concern for the ongoing crisis we face as a nation.

I welcome this Thanksgiving week as an opportunity to pause, step back, and reflect upon how blessed we really are, blessed far beyond any measure of what we deserve. It comes this year at a time of bitter setback for our nation’s great heritage of Liberty.

One of the ways God has richly blessed this unworthy servant is by allowing me to lead a team of Patriots endeavoring to keep the “flame of Liberty” burning bright for our countrymen across the nation and around the world. We are honored to share the burden of defending our inheritance of Liberty with millions of other Patriots, steadfast in that defense.

Yesterday morning, we received the following message from a Marine Corps officer in Afghanistan, a parent who, like many others serving our country, will not be home to share Thanksgiving or Christmas with family. This note reminded us of the privilege and responsibility we bear on behalf of our uniformed Patriots, and the sacrifice they make willingly in the name of Liberty:

“Thanks for all that you do, not only for the cause of Liberty, but also to support those of us who are currently deployed to the far reaches of the Earth, in support of our Country. We do not have the luxury of being able to voice our opinions and beliefs, a choice we made when we took our oath, but I can rest easy, knowing that you are fighting the good fight for us. Knowing that there are still true Patriots, willing to speak up for us, to speak up for what is right, eases the grief of being away from my family and children. Thank you. Semper Fidelis!”

In honor of the service of this Marine, and hundreds of thousands of American warriors around the world, I invite you to take a moment and put our national Day of Thanksgiving into proper context and consider our Creator, who has guided our nation through its darkest of days. As George Washington declared, “The hand of providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.”

In his first Thanksgiving proclamation, President Ronald Reagan wrote: “America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this Nation throughout its history. In keeping with America’s heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. … As we celebrate Thanksgiving … We should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do as individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance. Let us recommit ourselves to that devotion to God and family that has played such an important role in making this a great Nation, and which will be needed as a source of strength if we are to remain a great people.”

To supplement that reflection, I recommend that you read our brief History and Legacy of Thanksgiving, and the proclamations of those that followed the first harvest feast celebrated by the Pilgrims in 1621. I would suggest that you also view this video (above) from my colleague, renowned constitutional scholar Matt Spalding, entitled “We still hold these truths,” which is devoted to our nation’s First Principles. (For the accompanying study guide, click here.)

I leave you with an excerpt from a prayer for our nation recently penned by my friend, Dr. John Guest. Though born in the Old Country (Oxford, England), John became a U.S. citizen decades ago, and like most Americans of European extraction, he has become an outspoken advocate of our Founders’ proclamation of Liberty, as “endowed by our Creator”:

“Lord God Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for what is right and what is true and the integrity to use our Liberty in accordance with your gracious will. We thank you Lord, for the gift of our Nation and its heritage. May we live up to the Patriot dreams of our Founding Fathers. We praise You for the Constitution and government our Founding Fathers designed. Forgive us that we have strayed so far from the ideals of religious freedom and individual responsibility they embody. We thank You for our Godly heritage and the Biblical principles on which the laws and institutions of our land were established.”

Fellow Patriots, I humbly thank you for the privilege of serving as editor and publisher of The Patriot Post. On behalf of your Patriot team and our National Advisory Committee, I wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving, and God’s blessings to you and your family.

“Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise. Give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the LORD is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.” –Psalm 100:4-5

[Permission to forward, repost or reprint this essay is herein granted.]

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An ObamaCare Parable

Tags

obamacare, Obamacare explained

Author unknown

I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the recent health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what ensued:

They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard the young man exclaim, “Isn’t Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is healing the sick.” The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, “Yeah, and he does it for free. I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market would work for health care. Another said, ‘The stupid Republicans want us all to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power. Obama should be made a Saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate.” At this, I had more than enough.

I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and approached their table. “Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one moment?” They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end of their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.

“I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone interested?” They looked at each other in astonishment. “Why would you do something like that?” asked a young man, “There isn’t anything for free in this world.” They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had just made my point. “I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no money what so ever. Anyone interested?” In unison, a resounding “Hell Yeah” fills the room.

“Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who receives this money-free bargain.” I noticed an elderly couple was paying attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking his head in apparent disgust. “I tell you what; I will give it to the one of you most willing to obey my rules.” Again, they looked at one another, an expression of bewilderment on their faces. The perky young woman asked, “What are the rules?” I smiled and said, “I don’t know. I have not yet defined them. However, it is a free home that I offer you.” They giggled amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, “What an old coot. He must be crazy to give away his home. Go take your meds, old man.” I smiled and leaned into the table a bit further. “I am serious, this is a legitimate offer.” They gaped at me for a moment.

“I’ll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?” boasted the youngest among them. “Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?” I asked.. The elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the privacy of their table. “Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?” I took a napkin and wrote, “I give this man my home, without the burden of financial obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I shall set forth upon consummation of this transaction.” I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature. “Where are the keys to my new house?” he asked in a mocking tone of voice. All eyes were upon us as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling them before the excited new homeowner.

“Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day. You will not use anything inside of the home. You will obey me without question or resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I bestow upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles shall be as mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith. These are my terms. Here are your keys.” I reached the keys forward and the young man looked at me dumbfounded.

“Are you out of your mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous terms?” the young man appeared irritated. “You did when you signed this contract before reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge that I would provide my conditions only after you committed to the agreement.” Was all I said. The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to restrain him. I was looking at a now silenced and bewildered group of people. “You can shove that stupid deal up you’re a** old man, I want no part of it” exclaimed the now infuriated young man. “You have committed to the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends; you cannot get out of the deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let you free now that I have you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to. I am the one you blindly and without thought chose to enslave yourself to. In short, I am your Master.” At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against the unfairness of the deal.

After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true intent. “What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to you with the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you. You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only chance of freedom is if your new Master gives it to you. A freedom that is given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom.” With that, I tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young man. “This is the nature of your new health care legislation.”

I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was surprised by applause. The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained, shook my hand enthusiastically and said, “Thank you Sir, these kids don’t understand Liberty these days.” He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he said, “You earned this one, it is an honor to pickup the tab.” I shook his hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled, and sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10 “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat.'”

SO WHAT? Another Infamous Day for the History Books?

Tags

America, Benghazi-gate, George Soros, Lazy Americans, voter fraud

Many are still digesting the events, the voter fraud claims, and the general disgust leftover from the most surprising election of our time. Surprising, not necessarily in a good sense! My frustrations lie primarily in the lack of ACTION in light of the questionable results nationwide! So what? So what 7 registered voters produce 900 votes? So what the military vote in various states was reportedly suppressed. So what?

This is a theme in America right now. So what? Israel is under attack while the “enemies” of America blame Israel as the aggressor. So what? The majority of Americans support Israel, so what? Then there’s the whole “Peyton Place” scenario unfurling from BENGHAZI, but … so what? So what? Either the President is the President or he isn’t? So what? What boss or CEO would be so detached from an operation of his “company” as to have no clue of lives lost … months later? REALLY? Oh … so what? Still waiting the results of the “investigation of the copter that was mysteriously shot down carrying members of the SEAL TEAM 6 last year … SO WHAT?

SO WHAT! We go about our daily jobs (if we still have one), tend our family, our sight growing more and more myopic, more closed to the world around us. So What? We’ve grown NUMB, America! NUMB! Case in point:

After The Election

By Lloyd Phillips

December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was attacked, is famously called a day of infamy. September 11, 2001, likewise has gone down in history as another day of infamy for America. For me November 6, 2012, is yet another day that will go down as a day of infamy for America. It was a bellwether day and, I believe, things after this day will be markedly different than those which preceded.

A short time ago I was so tired of the incessant political campaigning, and all that goes with it that, that I was looking forward to Election Day just to see it end. Now, if I could, I would extend the campaigning as long as it might take to have a different outcome. Pat Caddell, a Democratic pollster and former advisor to President Jimmy Carter, said that in the days leading up to the election it was “within the margin of corruption.”(1) The press is not making news out of the many serious problems with voting in many areas which assisted the president in achieving his end total of electoral votes.

Bus loads of Somalis were brought into polling places in Ohio and the participants were handed templates to help them vote the Democratic ticket since they spoke no English. Voting machines in states such as Nevada repeatedly brought up 0bama when the screen was touched for Romney – numerous complaints were filed. Obama did not win one single state that fully requires photo IDs in order to vote. He lost in several states that do not traditionally vote Republican but do require photo identification. In Pennsylvania a law requiring photo ID to vote was passed but was challenged in court by the Obama campaign and put on hold by a judge until after this election. In some places where photo ID is not required voter registration topped more than 100% of the county populations and up to 92% percent voter turnout when 48% is average. ACORN was famously uncovered for its voter fraud and it disbanded. But there were many who warned that ACORN did not disband, it just went underground. An evil version of John 12:24.

Anyone who watched the now infamous voting at the Democratic convention over whether to put the mention of “God” back into the Democratic platform recognizes how little the actual vote matters to the Democratic party. What is particularly concerning is how this is liable to affect our nation as we go forward, and how little this is being reported in the press.

The press is given particular discretion, protection, and authority in America through our constitution as our founders felt no government could be trusted for long unless there was a watchdog over the sheep, so to speak. Now we have the wolves among the sheep and the watchdogs in the press are not sounding the alarm, if they are indeed watching at all anymore. They seem to feel their job is to assist the wolves and keep the sheep as deceived as possible. Benjamin Franklin famously expressed his view when he wrote, “Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well-armed lamb contesting that vote.”

When the 2008 presidential election was settled there were those who warned we were going to see “Chicago politics and San Francisco values” becoming national. This has proven to be the case, and the disturbing thing about the 2012 election is the biblical principle that when a thing is repeated twice it becomes established (Gen 41:32). The evil released on our nation since the 2008 election now has been established. Look how damaging Chicago politics have been to the people of Chicago! Yet how many generations have they remained the norm there without anyone being able to alter them?

After the 2000 election and the Florida vote counting, billionaire Socialist George Soros began funding liberal politicians to get them into the office of Secretary of State because they oversee the electoral process necessary to the proper functioning of a republic. His plans have had great success in electing liberals and socialists to the office of Secretary of State in many states to oversee the electoral process. We are witnessing a revolution and few seem to be aware or able to report the extent of the effects. While celebrating President 0bama’s electoral victory in front of the White House election night they were heard chanting over and over “Karl Marx” and “socialism.” It’s notable that Joseph Stalin said, “It’s not who votes that counts, it’s who counts the votes.”

My how things have changed. I thought that, in a sense, we crossed the Rubicon after Tuesday’s election. The idiom “Cross the Rubicon” means passing a point of no return, a reference to Julius Caesar crossing of the river in 49 BC and refusing to step down as commander as was required by law. It marked the beginning of the end for the Roman republic. When he crossed the river and refused to give up his commission he spoke the words “alea iacta est” – the die is cast. It is interesting that when elected to the Continental Congress John Adams, the Father of American Independence wrote, “The die is now cast; I have passed the Rubicon. Sink or swim, live or die, survive or perish with my country is my unalterable determination.” I am grateful for the wisdom and determination of a small remnant of men such as him. I pray God will raise up such wisdom and determination once again in our hour of need.

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A Little Girl Called ‘M.C.’

Tags

same-sex marriage, Uniform Parentage Act

The Collateral Damage from Same-Sex Marriage

By Jennifer Roback Morse, Ph.D

This article was first published September 25, 2012, at Break Point.org.

The policy proposal known as “same-sex marriage” is actually a proposal to redefine marriage. Instead of being a gender-based institution oriented toward the procreation of children and the good of the spouses, what is called “same-sex marriage” makes marriage into a genderless institution, oriented toward the good of adults only. Any possible negative consequences for children, according to this way of thinking, are not worth considering. We, and the children themselves, must simply accept any negative outcomes as collateral damage on the road to the nirvana of “marriage equality.”

A little girl known only to the public as M.C. is a public victim of the redefinition of marriage in California. If lukewarm Christians are tempted to sit out the marriage battle because they find it too contentious and emotional, they might give a moment’s thought to the situation of M.C.

Little M.C. was born in March 2009, to a woman named Melissa. Melissa had contracted a marriage with a woman named Irene in October 2008, during the window of time that same-sex marriage was permitted in California. Melissa had become pregnant with M.C. by a man named Jesus in the summer of 2008, prior to the state-sanctioned “marriage” ceremony.

Melissa and M.C. lived with Irene for 3or 4 weeks after M.C.’s birth. When Melissa moved out, Irene attempted to obtain joint legal and physical custody of M.C. Melissa got in touch with Jesus, the child’s father, who had since moved to Oklahoma. He sent her money, and stayed in contact with her.

Melissa was not happy with Irene’s continuing attempts to be involved with her and M.C. In September 2009, Melissa’s new boyfriend, José, attacked Irene, stabbing her so severely that she had to be hospitalized. Melissa was imprisoned, charged with accessory to attempted murder.

M.C. was taken into foster care. At that point, the urgent question arose: Who are her parents? Who can and should care for M.C. while her mother, Melissa, serves her prison sentence?

The courts found that M.C., for all intents and purposes, had three parents, recognized under different parts of the law. Melissa counted as a mother because she gave birth to the child. Irene was married to Melissa when Melissa gave birth to M.C. The courts applied a concept called the presumption of paternity. Under that concept, a woman’s husband is presumed to be the father of any children she gives birth to during the life of their union. Thanks to the redefinition of marriage to be a genderless institution, the family courts felt obligated to do a gender-neutral reading of this statute, transforming the “presumption of paternity” into a gender-neutral “presumption of parentage.”

Therefore, Irene counted as a presumed mother, or maybe I should say a “presumed generic parent.” However, she was not in any position to take care of M.C. in the short term, due to her injuries from being stabbed. She also had a history of domestic violence.

What about Jesus? No court ever denied that Jesus was a father. Nor did any court find him an unfit father in any way. So with Melissa in prison and Irene in the hospital, why couldn’t the court simply give M.C. to Jesus, her biological father?

The courts declined to place M.C. with Jesus because this would jeopardize what they saw as the child’s interest in reunification with Irene. Bear in mind that Irene was not the biological mother. She was not an adoptive mother. She had lived with Melissa and M.C. for about three or four weeks after the child was born. Irene, in short, was not a mother to M.C. in any meaningful sense.

Irene was a “presumed” mother for one reason and one reason only: same-sex marriage. That marriage is what prompted the court to call Irene a “presumed mother,” under a gender-neutral reading of the Uniform Parentage Act.

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