A Look at Today’s Political/Social Issues

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abortion, clones, conformity, equality, fairness, fear, homosexuality, moral problem, NEUTRAL COLORS, politically correct, poverty in America, sexual orientation, Tolerance, true moral standard, unanimity

“The poorest Americans today live a better life
than all but the richest persons a hundred years ago.”
James Q. Wilson, an American academic, political scientist, and an authority on public administration.

In today’s “fairness” political arena, there is a language that has developed. It is a PC language – politically correct. It is a despicable thing, because it limits FREEDOM in the name of “tolerance!” There is a horrible irony in the politically correct language that is supposed to reflect tolerance, it instead is bullying incarnate! It rewards agreement and punishes disagreement! It is defined by whatever position of power exists – and changes with the wind of political change. The sobering thing is that it’s a relatively new development in America. It’s virtually impossible to speak these days without “offending” someone about something, so our response is to remove the object of offense from our language whether it is Christmas, abstinence, or Islam.

We’ve been made afraid. We’ve been made afraid to speak up, to speak our mind on any number of issues we face today, if our opinion differs from those in positions of power. If we do not speak our mind, the argument SEEMS to be solved, but it really just simmers below the surface until the threat is lifted. The abortion argument is a perfect case in point. It never really went away like it was supposed to, it just went “underground” for a time.

Fear, my friends, is VERY telling!

We’re supposed to avoid talk of religion and politics, right? Why? Usually, the answer revolves around ruffling someone else’s feathers, upsetting the balance, the quiet, the calm. Right? Religion (or our personal belief system) and politics are our most personal thoughts, feelings, and ideals. We might even call them intimate.

• If I say I am opposed to gay-marriage, it is ASSUMED I hate gays.
• If I say I am opposed to “Obamacare,” it is ASSUMED I am unsympathetic to the needs of the poor.

Neither is accurate. I AM poor, for pete’s sake! But I am also rich! FAMILY makes us rich. FAITH makes us rich. WORK makes us rich. STRUGGLE makes us rich. HARDSHIP makes us rich in compassion. ACHIEVEMENT makes us rich. FAILURE makes us rich. INTEGRITY makes us rich. SELF-RELIANCE makes us rich.

In between the liberal position on the LEFT which is allegedly “fairness,” and their accusation of “hate-mongering” directed at certain people-groups, there is a wide expanse of options.

The REAL issue isn’t “fairness” or “equality,”
but the issue is unanimity, conformity, the making of clones!

Think about it.

• If you have a home you wish to sell, one of the first things a Realtor will tell you is … NEUTRAL COLORS, right? Whites, creams, beiges … nondescript colors with occasional “splashes” of color. CONFORM!
• The same applies to autos. If you look at the cars on the road, most are white, gold, silver … no color. CONFORM!
• More seriously, in spite of educational research, curricula is designed to “fit” only a small percentage of our students. Teachers are taught how to present materiel and then assess the student’s grasp of it by narrow questions with specific answers. No critical thought, no independent thought is encouraged. If a student offers an idea, a response different than the one asked for, it is wrong. Sometimes it is word-specific, so that even if a different WORD is used than the one issued, it is wrong. CONFORM!

We are told Religion is fine, but only within certain perimeters.

• California Couple Fined $300 for Holding Home Bible Studies CONFORM!
• Man behind anti-Muslim film gets 1 year in prison: no trial, no defense attorney CONFORM!
• Arizona Pastor Arrested, Jailed for Holding Bible Study in Home; His Wife Says It ‘Defies Logic CONFORM!
• Today is Stand with Hobby Lobby Day CONFORM!

Fifty years ago, all children were given the tools necessary to mature into responsible, productive citizens. Children with hearing or vision impairment were put into “special” schools where they were given tools to enable them to co-exist in society. Blind children were taught Braille and perhaps the use of a cane or aid-dog. Deaf children were taught sign language and often, lip-reading. Children with other different learning disabilities or mental illness were also given skills to help them be self-sufficient. That was the goal: self-sufficiency. This was the goal for ALL schools and students, to become responsible, productive citizens.

What are the goals today? We have children even graduating from the most prestigious universities with no literacy in world or American history, with sketchy reading skills, and most importantly, with little or no ability to THINK for themselves. Percent of high school graduates who can’t read in 2012 is 19%!!! But they are encouraged to participate in the “Occupy” movement! They are taught a “state ideology” (generally, Secular Humanism, which translates politically into Socialism) from Preschool through any ivy league school you choose while simultaneously, they are taught that “independent thought” is bad. But the goal is … exactly what? When 44% of college freshman don’t make it to graduation, what does that say? With a population gravitating toward government handouts instead of jobs and the benefits inherent in work, with schools that look more like high security prisons, and with a culture that is learning to FEAR freedom, what is the goal of education, of government “social justice” programs, of unanimity?

To encourage able-bodied Americans to become unwittingly enslaved to a system that encourages deeper dependence on government programs rather than encouraging independence is outrageous! THIS is a “unanimity” problem. If I can’t afford what my neighbors have, it’s “not fair! This becomes a moral problem AND a fiscal problem.

Unanimity (conformity) is NOT liberty!

1. Homosexual lifestyle is now introduced to children of kindergarten age. Instead of working on academic skills, pre-reading skills, early math skills, teachers are mandated to talk about “sexual orientation” with children too young to have ever had a sexual thought! This is NOT responsible education!

   In reference to gay marriage, the Bible clearly opposes homosexuality. The fact that it is ISSUE is indication that homosexuality is NOT the norm. (Gal 5: 16-21; Genesis 19:1-13) Now, here’s the rub. We, as Christians, are COMMANDED to LOVE one another, not just those with whom we agree.

   We often hear the phrase, “Hate the sin, but love the sinner!” Sadly, most Americans, believers or not, have not learned how to separate a lifestyle from a person. Matthew 7 has some very specific instruction, though, for how we should interact with one another. There is NO HATE directed at the person, only any “unholy” behavior, but is homosexuality worse than gossip? or adultery? or gluttony? Perhaps harder to conquer, but sin is sin. It is NOT for us to judge, but to love! Period!






2. The same applies to the poor. I believe free handouts to the poor do not serve them in any way. Jesus declared, “For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but Me you do not have always.” (Mt 26: 11; Jn 12: 8; Mk 14:7) There will always be some people that are unable due to physical or mental challenges to maintain a job. This does not necessarily mean there isn’t something they can do to help on occasion. Our self worth as humans is determined, built, or maintained by our ability to contribute to a family, a community, or a specific situation. WORK is not an evil thing. It is a beneficial thing for humans. The Bible teaches the individual believer to share, John (the Baptist) said, Luke 3: 11-14
   “11 If you have two shirts, share with the person who does not have one. If you have food, share that also.”
   12 Even tax collectors came to John to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”
   13 John said to them, “Don’t take more taxes from people than you have been ordered to take.
   14 The soldiers asked John, “What about us? What should we do?”
   John said to them, “Don’t force people to give you money, and don’t lie about them. Be satisfied with the pay you get.”

   No place in there do we see anything about government or mandates. It is not government’s job or responsibility to oversee charitable donations of substance or time & talent. “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (2 Thes 3:10)



3. Which brings me, finally, to abortion-on-demand as paid for by public funds via Federally sponsored programs including, but not limited to Planned Parenthood. It’s OUTRAGEOUS! It has been for 40 years since the decision was rendered that was supposed to silence the opposition! Clearly, it hasn’t as over 500,000 Americans gathered in DC for the 40th Anniversary March on one of the coldest days this winter. The President’s HHS mandate has stirred up more anguish and dissension than ever. Nothing is settled because, as reminded by the Founders, any law that is not in agreement with the “Law of Nature and Nature’s God” will not stand by virtue of the very definition of Natural Law.
   

   No one is debating the instances of rape, incest, or medical emergency. Those are NOT the procedures in debate! As a Conservative, the promiscuity that has taken over our culture via the media blitz is maddening. Our young people can’t get away from the images and ideas of sex, even if they are inclined to try to avoid them. The tools that COULD be used to bring about so much positive change are misused by those wielding liberal, unhealthy ideas of sexuality and relationship, among other things.

CONCLUSION: Though we’re not crazy, we can, as wise humans, recognize the benefits of hardship, if we trust God. We know that God uses everything that happens (there are no accidents) for our benefit but also for the benefit of others around us. We are promised “tribulations!” (Rom 8:28)

We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body.
2 Corinthians 4:8-10

If the CHURCH (the organized institution of all Christian & Catholic congregations) was doing its job correctly, there wouldn’t be the need for any government programs to tend the needs of the poor. Even so, the job of helping those in need falls on We-the-People, the neighbors, the community … NOT the Federal government via need-oriented programs like food stamps, welfare, and medicaid! EVERYONE has something they can contribute, some talent to share, some richness to give no matter how old or young, how rich or poor, how strong or weak. Allowing each person to contribute, allows each one the blessing of giving, as well as receiving. Though it may not always FEEL like it, work and even hardship are beneficial to our human condition!

While political correctness has made huge changes within our society, we can still – that’s WE-the-PEOPLE – can still turn our great ship of state toward a more humane greatness simply with a restoration of a solid moral code that resists PC language. Political correctness comes and goes, but true moral standards stand against the tides of political debate.

“Do you have a BRAIN?
Yes? Then THINK your way out of your mess!”

There is help available, but it’s the responsibility of each individual to grow and become responsible, productive, self-reliant, and contributing Americans!
Further reading:

NO, JESUS IS NOT A SOCIALIST!

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Yes, Virginia, America has a Godly Heritage Vol 2, 2013

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Alexis de Tocqueville, Cherokee tale of the Two Wolves, Founding Fathers, Human nature, Law of God, liberty, morality, Natural Law, pedophilia, sexual orientation, slavery, The 5000 Year Leap, true law, Two Wolves

“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7: 14

The History of the United States of America is extraordinarily rich with detail and interwoven themes, that over the decades, have been watered down for simplicity’s sake. There are still a few who argue against the Christian origins of our nation and the lofty vision of the Founders to succeed in honest and free self government.

For example, clearly, at the time the Founders shut themselves off to convene in order to form a more “perfect union,” many of these Founders owned slaves, so what kind of morality is that? Such hypocrisy, you say! Well, wait just a minute before you pass judgement. Who hasn’t driven a little above the speed limit? Who never “stole” a cookie from the cookie jar without permission? Who, as an adult, never said or did something contrary to our beliefs? We ALL do this, for better or for worse. It is human nature to break the rules, some more than others. Still not a justification for slavery, but an explanation.

Slavery was a social “norm” throughout history, in many different cultures and time periods, and it is one thing to believe against the norm. It’s totally another thing to be willing to act against the norm. But is slavery, then, natural Law

Our Declaration of Independence says our nation’s Right to Independence is based on the “Laws of Nature and Nature’s God … ” The Founders drew that idea from the ranks of ancient thinkers, philosophers, and teachers of the “Enlightenment” … Plato, Aristotle, Locke, and Cicero. These men spoke of a Natural Law that issued from that which keeps Nature’s order. To protect man’s unalienable rights, God established immutable Divine Laws which do not change with every political wind.

If the Natural Law (or Law of God) is written in our hearts and minds, why do we so easily stray from it? It is because even though it is written within us, it remains a foreign thing. There are two warring natures within us. One is base and selfish; the other virtuous and godly. The Adam and Eve who submitted to God’s Law, and the Adam and Eve who rebelled against God’s law still rage against one another today.

There is an old Cherokee legend that talks about this inner struggle:

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”

The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

The struggle is universal; it is the human condition, and, as the tale above illustrates, the individual must made a choice which wolf, which nature to feed. We feed the good wolf by nurturing all that springs from real love – selfless love. Seldom in today’s America is this “good wolf” nourished. Rather, no matter where we look, we are bombarded with “food” for the EVIL wolf:

• sexual perversion and abuse: from college sex parties (orgies) to the rising notion that pedophilia is just another sexual orientation;
• various celebrations of self-indulgence: from the commercialization of Christmas to the deification of celebrities and athletes, from the “occupy” movement, to soap operas and “road rage;” and
• deception in leadership, from the Oval Office on down.

But then, what is the Source of LIBERTY, or the idea of Liberty?

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with one another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitles them …

“LIBERTY! The very word evokes hope and stirs the inner soul of man. Throughout the course of time, individuals and nations oppressed by the yoke of tyranny or bondage have cried out for liberty’s reprise and have sought for the comfort of its soothing rays. Revolution and war have oft been its price. Few nations have ever obtained it, let alone maintained it. Why so rare this prize for which so much blood and so many tears have been shed? Is its definition misunderstood? What is liberty and how is it secured, or more portentous, how is it lost?” More HERE

The overwhelming majority of Founders understood in their minds, if not their hearts, that slavery was not only EVIL but it contradicted the very ideals of freedom they sought to build into out nation, particularly the ideal of equality for all under the Law.

Prior to the time of the Founding Fathers, there had been few serious efforts to dismantle the institution of slavery. John Jay identified the point at which the change in attitude toward slavery began:

Prior to the great Revolution, the great majority . . . of our people had been so long accustomed to the practice and convenience of having slaves that very few among them even doubted the propriety and rectitude of it.

The Revolution was the turning point in the national attitude–and it was the Founding Fathers who contributed greatly to that change.

Many of the early American leaders went on to work to abolish slavery in the young nation. While each of the Founders had his own personal belief system, they sought “common ground” upon which to build the nation. Each of these men were highly esteemed, well-educated, and well-versed in the philosophies and political spectrum of the past. They knew not to build a nation on religion or religious doctrine, but they also understood that for liberty to endure, some moral boundaries were necessary. Read More HERE

“This is the covenant
that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws into their hearts,
and in their minds I will write them,”

Hebrews 10: 16 & Jeremiah 31: 33

I contend the law referred to in the Bible passages here, is the “Natural Law” identified by Cicero and his predecessors. This is the Law that is written on our hearts and minds. It is truth. The conflict only appears when we, as humans, try to circumvent this Law or supersede it in theory or practice. Abortion is an excellent example. For more than 40 years, American society has been torn by the desire to make unwanted pregnancies “disappear,” yet some believe simply saying it’s “legal” makes everything better. As evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of Americans who continue to march every January in disagreement with the man-made law allowing the murder of unborn babies, Natural Law cannot be overruled easily. it is written on our hearts and minds, and even if the courts say it is legal, our conscience tells us otherwise.

Sen Feinstein and President Obama can argue all they want against the Natural Law to honor our Creator, but, in the end, Natural Law cannot be overruled. It is human instinct, self-preservation, it is written on our inward parts, and our only hope for peace is to yield to this Law.

And yet we continue to attempt to live apart from the Natural Law, the law that is inwardly inscribed, and still we continue to look outwardly for solutions to society’s ills in futility.

Liberty cannot be established without morality,
nor morality without faith.
Alexis de Tocqueville

Related:

• Yes, Virginia, America has a Godly Heritage Vol 1, 2013
• SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF LIBERTY

Examples of Public and Private Duties
Here are some of the more important responsibilities which the Creator has imposed on every human being of normal mental capacity:

1. The duty to honor the supremacy of the Creator and his laws. (As Blackstone states, the Creator’s law is the supreme law of the world: “This law of nature, being coeval with mankind and dictated by God himself, is of course superior in obligation to any other. It is binding over all the globe in all countries, and at all times; no human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this….” [Ibid., Introduction, sec. 2, par. 39.])
2. The duty not to take the life of another except in self-defense.
3. The duty not to steal or destroy the property of another.
4. The duty to be honest in all transactions with others.
5. The duty of children to honor and obey their parents and elders.

Sound familiar?

MORE HERE