The early years of the nineteenth century were a time of great religious upheaval, with many new and exciting ideas. Old traditions were overturned and a general religious fervor swept the United States. This period was known as the Second Great Awakening.
The impact the Second Great Awakening had on the nation was truly remarkable. Happening alongside a continuing call for freedom and reform in all parts of life, it fulfilled the call for an increase of freedom and diligence in the church. This change can be termed a “democratization of religion.” With this ever increasing desire for freedom also came an eroding respect for authority, tradition, and station. Its numerous effects were both positive and negative.
The first effect can be seen in the drastic increase of Christian ministers. At the time the United States won its independence, there were fewer than 2,000 ministers across the nation. By 1845, there were 40,000. This huge growth is not necessarily attributed to more people attending seminaries or religious colleges, but rather, a democratization occurred in religion in that fewer and fewer preachers felt the need to be trained or ordained by an authoritative religious figure. Instead, they gained their knowledge and preaching style mainly from the Bible.
There was also a democratization in the doctrinal emphasis. In colonial times, most churches taught predestination, or the belief that a person is predestined to be saved or damned, and no work you do on your part can change that. In the Second Great Awakening, there was a change to emphasizing instead a person’s free will and their ability to work towards salvation. This was the beginnings of “fire and brimstone” preaching, where preachers used intense, frightening descriptions of hell in order to call their congregations to repentance.
In stressing the importance of industry, sobriety, and self-discipline as examples of freely chosen moral behavior, evangelical preachers promoted the very qualities necessary for success in a market culture.
With this democratization of religion came the breakdown of traditional churches and the creation of many new denominations. There were suddenly large numbers of Methodists, Presbyterians, Lutherans, Baptists, and other Christian sects. Some had ordained pastors leading dutiful congregations while others had self-appointed ministers leading camp revivals and almost out-of-control congregations. Never before had American religion seen such passion and emotion shown in regular meetings of Christian denominations. This was especially true of the frontier camp revivals. The lack of need for tradition or authority made these meetings new and exciting and they quickly grew in number, with hundreds of converts spreading the word like wildfire.
These effects of democratization created a fertile ground for new and exciting ideas, which consistently brought in hundreds and thousands of converts each year. The cause of freedom moving throughout the land stirred its religious sects in ways not seen before. The Second Great Awakening was a huge success in calling people from their idleness to a new commitment to salvation through Jesus Christ.
Works Cited
Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!, Second Edition, Volume 1 (Give Me Liberty). 2nd ed. New York: W. W. Norton, 2007. Print.
10 December 2009
05 December 2009
Angel Tree - Something else to consider this Christmas
If any of you are looking for a way to serve your community this Christmas, please consider Angel Tree. As a non-profit branch of the Prison Fellowhip Ministry, Angel Tree gives Christmas gifts to children in the name of imprisoned parents. It is a beautiful way to serve those children who may not be having much of a Christmas. In return for a donation, the website gives you a small thank-you of mp3 downloads from the Angel Tree Children's Choir CD of Christmas Carols. They are the most angelic voices you will ever hear.
Give it a thought!
Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Angel Tree Promo Video
Angel Tree website
Give it a thought!
Thanks and Merry Christmas!
Angel Tree Promo Video
Angel Tree website
Something to think about...
Here is a little something to think about. It is one of my all-time favorite quotes and is found in Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail :
"Right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant."
"Right defeated is stronger than evil triumphant."
19 November 2009
Art Exhibit - Types and Shadows: Intimations of Divinity
In the exhibit Types and Shadows: Intimations of Divinity at the Brigham Young University Art Museum, a collection of art is brought together under theme found in the following scripture verse:
“And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me” (Moses 6:63).
The string that ties together the different pieces of art is the belief that all things can be types, or symbols, of Christ. Some pieces are overtly religious, such as God Steadying the Ark by Boleslav Parasion, which depicts God guiding Noah’s ark (Pheysey 11). Others may be more difficult to relate, such as Daily Bread by Lee Bennion (14). This is a simple painting of a woman holding a loaf of bread in her apron. The challenge to the viewer is to find how each piece can be a type of Christ.
The piece that was most interesting to me was The Prodigal Son painted by Bruce H. Smith (19). To me, this seemed to be only a painting of a feast. However, the tour guide for our class led us through an analysis that uncovered the subtle meanings. The first panel is bright and colorful, symbolizing the Prodigal Son’s life before he left his home. The center panel is painted with different shades of gray. In the middle of the table are miniature pigs, a reflection of the low point of the prodigal Son’s journey and how he was forced to feed himself with the pigs. The last panel was bright, colorful, and abundant with food. In the front was a depiction of a tiny cow, signifying the slaughtered calf at the feast in honor of the son’s return. The different elements in this painting came together to portray the parable of the Prodigal son, which is representative of Christ’s willingness to readily forgive us. This seemingly simple painting became, through analysis, a type and shadow of Christ.
The opportunity to learn in this exhibit is exceptional; I would highly recommend attending it. If you are not usually interested in art, you are not alone. I do not usually appreciate art museums. A solution to this problem would be to sign up for a tour. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and can help you see the deep and beautiful imagery in each piece. The exhibition guides are also helpful. Don’t just walk through this exhibit—all you’ll see is a few paintings on a wall. However, if you take the time to understand each painting you will leave thoughtful and inspired. This is not an exhibit to see, but to experience.
Works Cited
Pheysey, Dawn C., and Herman C. Du Toit. The Image Speaks: A Study Guide for Religious Art. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Museum of Art and Religious Studies Center, 2009. Print.
“And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me” (Moses 6:63).
The string that ties together the different pieces of art is the belief that all things can be types, or symbols, of Christ. Some pieces are overtly religious, such as God Steadying the Ark by Boleslav Parasion, which depicts God guiding Noah’s ark (Pheysey 11). Others may be more difficult to relate, such as Daily Bread by Lee Bennion (14). This is a simple painting of a woman holding a loaf of bread in her apron. The challenge to the viewer is to find how each piece can be a type of Christ.
The piece that was most interesting to me was The Prodigal Son painted by Bruce H. Smith (19). To me, this seemed to be only a painting of a feast. However, the tour guide for our class led us through an analysis that uncovered the subtle meanings. The first panel is bright and colorful, symbolizing the Prodigal Son’s life before he left his home. The center panel is painted with different shades of gray. In the middle of the table are miniature pigs, a reflection of the low point of the prodigal Son’s journey and how he was forced to feed himself with the pigs. The last panel was bright, colorful, and abundant with food. In the front was a depiction of a tiny cow, signifying the slaughtered calf at the feast in honor of the son’s return. The different elements in this painting came together to portray the parable of the Prodigal son, which is representative of Christ’s willingness to readily forgive us. This seemingly simple painting became, through analysis, a type and shadow of Christ.
The opportunity to learn in this exhibit is exceptional; I would highly recommend attending it. If you are not usually interested in art, you are not alone. I do not usually appreciate art museums. A solution to this problem would be to sign up for a tour. The tour guides are very knowledgeable and can help you see the deep and beautiful imagery in each piece. The exhibition guides are also helpful. Don’t just walk through this exhibit—all you’ll see is a few paintings on a wall. However, if you take the time to understand each painting you will leave thoughtful and inspired. This is not an exhibit to see, but to experience.
Works Cited
Pheysey, Dawn C., and Herman C. Du Toit. The Image Speaks: A Study Guide for Religious Art. Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Museum of Art and Religious Studies Center, 2009. Print.
11 November 2009
Amistad Review
Note to Reader: This is my personal review of the movie Amistad. This film is rated R, however my class watched the version edited by “Family Flicks.” If you can obtain an edited copy, I highly recommend it as an inspiring and historically accurate film for mature viewers.
The main theme that comes to my mind from our viewing of Amistad is the desensitization to slavery and the humanity the film tries to portray. I realized that even I, as a modern student, have been desensitized to the horrors of slavery through the memorized numbers, historical facts, and the common struggle to make history come alive. It was also surprising to me the amount of desensitization the politicians of that time period were accustomed to. They could look in the faces of slaves and call them property. This film tries to help the viewer find the humanity in the lives of the people in this story, both slaves and freemen, and, in my opinion, it succeeds.
Mankind’s race for power and money was exposed well in both the politicians and the traders. It was almost surprising the completely corrupting effect that money and power have. There were at least four separate claims put to court over the slaves, each politician and tradesman believing they had a right to this “property.” They were each completely desensitized to the human life standing before them. It was only the money they cared for.
The goodness of humanity was represented in the diligence of the attorney fighting for the slaves’ freedom. The attorney, Baldwin, was hired by abolitionists and while he didn’t particularly care about abolition at first, he gave the case the best he had. He struggled to find a way to communicate with Cinque, the “spokesman” for the slaves, and persevered through every loop the prosecution and court threw him. Even when he was persecuted physically and his law practice had practically disappeared, he kept working until he had won the trial. His diligence and perseverance were inspiring.
Even more touching was the humanity represented in Cinque. He was completely humble in being the slaves’ chosen leader, even though they adored him. It was also amazing the amount of culture presented by him. We heard the story of his wife, his culture, his voyage, and we saw in him the sharp difference between the African and white cultures. We saw his desperation for freedom as he broke the chains on the boat and later pleaded for freedom in broken English in the courtroom. When another slave tried to interpret the pictures he saw in a Bible, the story of Christ, however vague, had an influence on him and Cinque, as it does on all truly humble men. This is the essence of humanity.
Humanity was portrayed beautifully in this film, through the lows of corruption, the diligence and goodness of the lawyer, who made the slaves’ cause his own, and the depth of the slaves’ experience. It is a needed shock to the desensitized modern viewer and an inspiration for the cause of liberty for all people and all nations.
04 November 2009
Adam Smith's "Wealth of Nations"
Hailed as the foundation for modern economic literature, The Wealth of Nations came about in the same time period as the American Revolution and matched the Revolution in novelty and genius (Cropsey). It was printed in the same year as the Declaration of Independence and is a reflection of the times with its call for an extension of liberty. Adam Smith, the Scottish Author, gave voice to many revolutionaries’ desires for freedom in the marketplace as it refuted the practice of mercantilism and paired the abstract of freedom with an new concrete theory of free markets.
The accepted economic theory of the day was mercantilism. Mercantilism was the practice of determining a nation’s wealth by how much treasure the nation had. The main component of this practice was the government’s regulation of trade to assure that as much money as possible stayed within their economy. Adam Smith refuted this system by arguing that a nation’s wealth should be determined by the lifestyle of its people, or, in other words, by the per capita income. He also argued that “the invisible hand of the free market directed economic life more effectively and fairly than governmental intervention” (Foner 224).
The principle of free markets was founded on the principle that if a person is left free to act, their human nature compels them to act rationally in their own self interest. As every person acts in their own interest, each trade will be for the benefit of both parties, though they may not profit equally. Some of the pragmatic elements of a market economy include flexible currency, private corporations, industrialization, and consumerism.
This new theory of free markets fit exactly with the revolutionaries’ ideals of liberty and personal responsibility. As the war ended and an economy was built, the principles found in the Wealth of Nations were incorporated into their system. The writers of the United States Constitution were careful to include no mention of how an economy or a financial sector should be run, to avoid beginning a tradition of government regulation. Free market theory also affected how the banking system and treasury department were organized.
Adam Smith presented many new, exciting economic ideas which quickly spread aross the world. Its influence was especially timely in the forming of the new American nation. Through the rebuttal of mercantilism and an expansion of liberty into concrete theory, The Wealth of Nations became a foundation for modern economics.
Works Cited
Cropsey, Joseph. "Wealth of Nations, The." Encyclopedia Americana. 2009. Grolier Online. 3
Foner, Eric. Give Me Liberty!, Second Edition, Volume 1 (Give Me Liberty). 2nd ed. Vol. 1.
Holzapfel, Richard. "Lecture in BYU American Government and Society Course." Brigham
28 October 2009
Obamacare Leaves 17 Million Uninsured
An article from yesterday's USA Today:
Congress' Health Care Bills Leave Millions Uninsured
Congress' Health Care Bills Leave Millions Uninsured
27 October 2009
Crandall Printing Museum Review
As we walked into the museum, I turned to my friends, Anna and Bryce, and said, “It’s such a small museum. This tour can’t possibly take two hours.” It did. The Crandall Printing Museum is a small museum that was just started a few years ago here in Provo, Utah and this museum’s tour was required for my American Government and Society class. While I did not enjoy the museum as much as my friends did, I came to see it as a highly educational and engaging opportunity.
We walked into the lobby and a small man behind the desk greeted us enthusiastically and showed us where to sign in for the tour. The first room we entered was set up to look like an old printing shop, with a large wooden printing press and several display cases. There were lots of chairs set up and we sat down and listened to a presentation for about an hour. In this room we learned about Johannes Gutenberg, the man who invented the printing press. The presenter had formerly worked in the printing business and was very knowledgeable. He even had us come up and watch as he demonstrated how the Gutenberg press printed the very first printed book – a “Gutenberg” Bible. However, I gave a presentation on the history of books a few years ago, and I went to a museum with a printing press last summer, so the presentation was slightly boring to me. Also, the air in the room was rather warm and I had stayed up late doing homework the night before, so I think I dozed off a couple times. Ok, actually, I know I dozed off a couple times.
The tour was then interrupted by “Benjamin Franklin” who invited us to come see his printing press. We moved into another room where he showed us a replica of Franklin’s press and spoke to us about Benjamin Franklin’s life and the role of the printed word in early American history. Usually, I would find this sort of thing intriguing. However, being a formerly homeschooled student, I have been able to tailor much of my education to my interests, which just happen to include early American history. As a result, I have read Franklin’s “Autobiography” and know well the subject being discussed in the presentation and was, again, rather bored. I don’t mean to sound like a know-it-all or a brat, I’m just trying to tell the story as honestly as possible. Which, I suppose, means that if I do sound like a know-it-all or a brat, than I really am.
We moved on to the last room of the tour, which was meant to be a replica of the printing shop the Book of Mormon was first printed in. This presentation was slightly more engaging and we saw the press the Book of Mormon was first printed on, learned about how the book was printed, and some of the miracles that happened along the process. This was the warmest room of all and while I felt incredibly drowsy and anxious to get out, I managed to pay attention and learned several interesting facts.
When they announced our tour complete, we quickly moved toward the exit, though we were stopped along the way by a museum guide who wanted to show us a press that the Deseret News, a prominent newspaper in Utah, had been printed on. As we walked outside I was completely unprepared for Anna’s reaction: “That was SO COOL! I’m so taking my family back here some time. Wasn’t that just awesome?!?” She squealed while practically skipping to the car. I looked at her, utterly bewildered, and finally told her I was very glad she enjoyed herself.
On the way home, I tried to decide why I hadn’t enjoyed it. It was very true that that sort of thing is usually right up my alley. I could blame it on the hot temperature, or the less-than-intriguing material, but I think the blame really lies with my own lack of preparation. I was extremely tired, slightly crabby, and looked at the tour as something to get over with rather than a learning opportunity.
Honestly, the Crandall Museum can be a very interesting educational presentation. It is a comprehensive and engaging history of the creation and influence of books, and, specifically, the scriptures. If you go with the right attitude and a desire to learn (and plenty of rest) it will be an experience that you can leave jumping up and down and exclaiming that next time you’re taking your family. Just ask Anna.
We walked into the lobby and a small man behind the desk greeted us enthusiastically and showed us where to sign in for the tour. The first room we entered was set up to look like an old printing shop, with a large wooden printing press and several display cases. There were lots of chairs set up and we sat down and listened to a presentation for about an hour. In this room we learned about Johannes Gutenberg, the man who invented the printing press. The presenter had formerly worked in the printing business and was very knowledgeable. He even had us come up and watch as he demonstrated how the Gutenberg press printed the very first printed book – a “Gutenberg” Bible. However, I gave a presentation on the history of books a few years ago, and I went to a museum with a printing press last summer, so the presentation was slightly boring to me. Also, the air in the room was rather warm and I had stayed up late doing homework the night before, so I think I dozed off a couple times. Ok, actually, I know I dozed off a couple times.
The tour was then interrupted by “Benjamin Franklin” who invited us to come see his printing press. We moved into another room where he showed us a replica of Franklin’s press and spoke to us about Benjamin Franklin’s life and the role of the printed word in early American history. Usually, I would find this sort of thing intriguing. However, being a formerly homeschooled student, I have been able to tailor much of my education to my interests, which just happen to include early American history. As a result, I have read Franklin’s “Autobiography” and know well the subject being discussed in the presentation and was, again, rather bored. I don’t mean to sound like a know-it-all or a brat, I’m just trying to tell the story as honestly as possible. Which, I suppose, means that if I do sound like a know-it-all or a brat, than I really am.
We moved on to the last room of the tour, which was meant to be a replica of the printing shop the Book of Mormon was first printed in. This presentation was slightly more engaging and we saw the press the Book of Mormon was first printed on, learned about how the book was printed, and some of the miracles that happened along the process. This was the warmest room of all and while I felt incredibly drowsy and anxious to get out, I managed to pay attention and learned several interesting facts.
When they announced our tour complete, we quickly moved toward the exit, though we were stopped along the way by a museum guide who wanted to show us a press that the Deseret News, a prominent newspaper in Utah, had been printed on. As we walked outside I was completely unprepared for Anna’s reaction: “That was SO COOL! I’m so taking my family back here some time. Wasn’t that just awesome?!?” She squealed while practically skipping to the car. I looked at her, utterly bewildered, and finally told her I was very glad she enjoyed herself.
On the way home, I tried to decide why I hadn’t enjoyed it. It was very true that that sort of thing is usually right up my alley. I could blame it on the hot temperature, or the less-than-intriguing material, but I think the blame really lies with my own lack of preparation. I was extremely tired, slightly crabby, and looked at the tour as something to get over with rather than a learning opportunity.
Honestly, the Crandall Museum can be a very interesting educational presentation. It is a comprehensive and engaging history of the creation and influence of books, and, specifically, the scriptures. If you go with the right attitude and a desire to learn (and plenty of rest) it will be an experience that you can leave jumping up and down and exclaiming that next time you’re taking your family. Just ask Anna.
23 October 2009
More info on "Safe Schools Czar" Kevin Jennings
This is more info on the new "Safe Schools Czar" Pres. Obama has appointed. I pulled this from an email alert I received from the Liberty Counsel and it is absolutely sickening the things we are learning about this man. Once you have read this, please consider signing the petition to remove him from office - here is the link:
http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827
Taylor,
Thanks again for signing Liberty Counsel's petition calling for
the removal of Kevin Jennings, President Obama's appointee as
"Safe Schools Czar." Thanks to you, we are already half way
to our initial goal of 25,000 signers. But with each passing
day, we learn more outrageous facts about his sordid past and
radical ties.
For example, his homos*xual "partner" states that Jennings was
a leading member of Act Up, a militant homos*xual group that
invaded St. Patrick's Cathedral during a Mass in 1989,
harassing the congregation and desecrating the Sacraments.
Act Up was responsible for many other outrages, including
throwing the ashes of dead AIDS victims onto the White
House lawn.
Jennings also wrote the forward to a book entitled, "Queering
Elementary Education" which boldly calls for pushing the
homos*xual agenda in the earliest grades.
I've included my original message below. This is an URGENT
request: Please forward this to your friends and ask them
to join you in signing. Thanks and God bless you.
Mat
+ + + + + + + + +
Kevin Jennings isn't a household name, but we've been watching
his actions very closely. The reason is that Jennings poses
a severe threat to our Nation's school children, yet he is
President Obama's choice for "Safe Schools Czar"!
Let me be absolutely clear: Kevin Jennings is unfit to serve
in ANY position related to our public schools.
Recently, over 50 Congressmen formally demanded that President
Obama remove Jennings from his post. Here's what motivated
this unusually strong action...
The congressional letter states, "As the founder of the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings
has played an integral role in promoting homos*xuality and
pushing a pro-homos*xual agenda in America's schools-an agenda
that runs counter to the values that many parents desire to
instill in their children."
You can read the full letter here:
http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827
+ + "Safe Schools" will mean "Pro-Homosexual Schools"
Jennings' intent is to use his platform as Safe Schools Czar
to aggressively promote -- and even celebrate -- homos*xuality
in our schools. He is an outspoken proponent of a radical
pro-homos*xual curriculum, including so-called "diversity"
training at the elementary school level!
This is deplorable. It is not to be tolerated!
On top of his unacceptable, strident stand on the homos*xual
agenda, Jennings has even admitted to the use of illicit drugs,
showing no signs of remorse. This man is totally unqualified
to serve as a policymaker and role model in the Department
of Education!
Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel
http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827
http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827
Taylor,
Thanks again for signing Liberty Counsel's petition calling for
the removal of Kevin Jennings, President Obama's appointee as
"Safe Schools Czar." Thanks to you, we are already half way
to our initial goal of 25,000 signers. But with each passing
day, we learn more outrageous facts about his sordid past and
radical ties.
For example, his homos*xual "partner" states that Jennings was
a leading member of Act Up, a militant homos*xual group that
invaded St. Patrick's Cathedral during a Mass in 1989,
harassing the congregation and desecrating the Sacraments.
Act Up was responsible for many other outrages, including
throwing the ashes of dead AIDS victims onto the White
House lawn.
Jennings also wrote the forward to a book entitled, "Queering
Elementary Education" which boldly calls for pushing the
homos*xual agenda in the earliest grades.
I've included my original message below. This is an URGENT
request: Please forward this to your friends and ask them
to join you in signing. Thanks and God bless you.
Mat
+ + + + + + + + +
Kevin Jennings isn't a household name, but we've been watching
his actions very closely. The reason is that Jennings poses
a severe threat to our Nation's school children, yet he is
President Obama's choice for "Safe Schools Czar"!
Let me be absolutely clear: Kevin Jennings is unfit to serve
in ANY position related to our public schools.
Recently, over 50 Congressmen formally demanded that President
Obama remove Jennings from his post. Here's what motivated
this unusually strong action...
The congressional letter states, "As the founder of the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings
has played an integral role in promoting homos*xuality and
pushing a pro-homos*xual agenda in America's schools-an agenda
that runs counter to the values that many parents desire to
instill in their children."
You can read the full letter here:
http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827
+ + "Safe Schools" will mean "Pro-Homosexual Schools"
Jennings' intent is to use his platform as Safe Schools Czar
to aggressively promote -- and even celebrate -- homos*xuality
in our schools. He is an outspoken proponent of a radical
pro-homos*xual curriculum, including so-called "diversity"
training at the elementary school level!
This is deplorable. It is not to be tolerated!
On top of his unacceptable, strident stand on the homos*xual
agenda, Jennings has even admitted to the use of illicit drugs,
showing no signs of remorse. This man is totally unqualified
to serve as a policymaker and role model in the Department
of Education!
Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel
http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827
22 October 2009
Petition to Remove Pro-Homosexual Activist Kevin Jennings from Office
Please read this story about the "Safe Schools Czar" and consider signing the petition:
http://www.libertyaction.org/308/petition.asp?Ref_ID=2853&RID=22260163
http://www.libertyaction.org/308/petition.asp?Ref_ID=2853&RID=22260163
Religious Freedom: The First Amendment Under Attack
In the past century, there has been a constant, subtle attack on a principle that lies at the very heart of our nation’s foundation. Through media, legal, and societal pressures, there has been a push to eradicate this principle from our society. Many people claim to be advancing this truth, even as they unwittingly take an ax to its foundation. The principle under attack is the right of religious freedom. American society must recognize the fundamental and natural right of religious freedom and be more vigilant in its protection.
The very first Constitutional amendment ratified in the Bill of Rights says that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (Constitution). Many would not see any problem with this statement in regards to our current government and society. However, I disagree. The most prominent example in my mind is the pending Hate Crimes Bill currently being discussed in the U.S. Congress. A pastor may refuse to hire a homosexual individual because it is against his or her religious beliefs and then may be penalized by this law. Wouldn’t that law be “respecting an establishment of religion” by refusing to allow the pastor to follow his religious beliefs?
The more pronounced abuses against religious freedom fall under the phrase “prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” which is what I’d like to cover more fully.
One of the most authoritative voices on religious freedom is Thomas Jefferson. In 1786, the Virginia House of Burgesses passed a bill drawn up by Jefferson titled “An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom.” Among many important points in this bill is a statement emphasizing the free practice of religion. It says:
“No man shall be…enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities” (Jefferson 119).
While there are fortunately very few laws that currently restrain religious freedom, it is certainly true that there are media and societal pressures that would restrain a man from arguing his positions on matters of religion and certainly there are forces claiming that the practice of religion affects a person’s civil capacities. One example of this abuse is found in the aftermath of the passing of Proposition 8 in California. Just a few months ago, Proposition 8 was passed in a state-wide vote declaring that marriage is between one man and one woman. Furious at the outcome of the long and intense debate, homosexual activists persecuted financial donors, vandalized and destroyed church properties, and intimidated anyone who had supported the cause. They also started several lawsuits against churches and religious officials claiming that religion should have no part in a political debate.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance” (US Code).
Notice that this statement includes public life. This affects the increasing arguments against nativity scenes in front of town halls, and a recent controversy surrounding high school cheerleaders using scripture verses in their banners. It also affects the ban against football players no longer being allowed to drop a bended knee in deference to God after a touchdown and school officials being banned from offering prayers at extracurricular functions.
The writers of the Bill of Rights purposely placed the right to religious freedom as the first amendment. It is an absolutely vital principle in our government and society. The United States Code, a federal law, states:
“The right to freedom of religion undergirds the very origin and existence of the United States….[The Nation’s Founders] established in law, as a fundamental right and as a pillar of our Nation, the right to freedom of religion.”
As citizens of the United States, we must uphold the Constitution and protect the right to religious freedom from attack. It is a natural and fundamental right that is at the core of our nation. Religious freedom is a major basis for the founding of America and it is one of the most prominent reasons for America’s goodness and virtue. As Alexander de Tocqueville’s famous quote says, “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great” (qtd. in Couch).
Works Cited
The Constitution of the United States with Index and The Declaration of Independence. 2nd ed. Malta, ID: National Center for Constitutional Studies, 2005. Print.
Couch, Stuart. "Couch: A Question of Conscience — The Center for the Study of Human Rights in the Americas (CSHRA)." Center for the Studies of Human Rights in the Americas. UCDavis, 2008. Web. 22 Oct. 2009..
Jefferson, Thomas. "An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom." 1785. Voices of Freedom: A Documentary History. 2nd ed. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2008. 119. Print.
"US CODE: Title 22,6401. Findings; policy." LII
Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School, 2008. Web. 21 Oct. 2009..
The very first Constitutional amendment ratified in the Bill of Rights says that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (Constitution). Many would not see any problem with this statement in regards to our current government and society. However, I disagree. The most prominent example in my mind is the pending Hate Crimes Bill currently being discussed in the U.S. Congress. A pastor may refuse to hire a homosexual individual because it is against his or her religious beliefs and then may be penalized by this law. Wouldn’t that law be “respecting an establishment of religion” by refusing to allow the pastor to follow his religious beliefs?
The more pronounced abuses against religious freedom fall under the phrase “prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” which is what I’d like to cover more fully.
One of the most authoritative voices on religious freedom is Thomas Jefferson. In 1786, the Virginia House of Burgesses passed a bill drawn up by Jefferson titled “An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom.” Among many important points in this bill is a statement emphasizing the free practice of religion. It says:
“No man shall be…enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities” (Jefferson 119).
While there are fortunately very few laws that currently restrain religious freedom, it is certainly true that there are media and societal pressures that would restrain a man from arguing his positions on matters of religion and certainly there are forces claiming that the practice of religion affects a person’s civil capacities. One example of this abuse is found in the aftermath of the passing of Proposition 8 in California. Just a few months ago, Proposition 8 was passed in a state-wide vote declaring that marriage is between one man and one woman. Furious at the outcome of the long and intense debate, homosexual activists persecuted financial donors, vandalized and destroyed church properties, and intimidated anyone who had supported the cause. They also started several lawsuits against churches and religious officials claiming that religion should have no part in a political debate.
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that:
“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance” (US Code).
Notice that this statement includes public life. This affects the increasing arguments against nativity scenes in front of town halls, and a recent controversy surrounding high school cheerleaders using scripture verses in their banners. It also affects the ban against football players no longer being allowed to drop a bended knee in deference to God after a touchdown and school officials being banned from offering prayers at extracurricular functions.
The writers of the Bill of Rights purposely placed the right to religious freedom as the first amendment. It is an absolutely vital principle in our government and society. The United States Code, a federal law, states:
“The right to freedom of religion undergirds the very origin and existence of the United States….[The Nation’s Founders] established in law, as a fundamental right and as a pillar of our Nation, the right to freedom of religion.”
As citizens of the United States, we must uphold the Constitution and protect the right to religious freedom from attack. It is a natural and fundamental right that is at the core of our nation. Religious freedom is a major basis for the founding of America and it is one of the most prominent reasons for America’s goodness and virtue. As Alexander de Tocqueville’s famous quote says, “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great” (qtd. in Couch).
Works Cited
The Constitution of the United States with Index and The Declaration of Independence. 2nd ed. Malta, ID: National Center for Constitutional Studies, 2005. Print.
Couch, Stuart. "Couch: A Question of Conscience — The Center for the Study of Human Rights in the Americas (CSHRA)." Center for the Studies of Human Rights in the Americas. UCDavis, 2008. Web. 22 Oct. 2009.
Jefferson, Thomas. "An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom." 1785. Voices of Freedom: A Documentary History. 2nd ed. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2008. 119. Print.
"US CODE: Title 22,6401. Findings; policy." LII
Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School, 2008. Web. 21 Oct. 2009.
14 October 2009
America's Founding according to The Book of Mormon
It is not an uncommon belief among Americans that God had a hand in the founding of our country. Many Christians point to signs of God’s intervention in our first struggles. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I too can say that I believe there was divine assistance in those events. Many people do not know that it is part of our belief as Latter-day Saints that America is a chosen land; and more specifically, that a prophet in The Book of Mormon foretold these events. This prophet’s name was Nephi (pronounced nee-fie) and I would like to share with you some of his prophecies and how they have been fulfilled.
1 Nephi chapter 13 tells of a vision Nephi has when an angel visits him. He first sees Christopher Columbus going across the Atlantic and Nephi says that he sees the Spirit of God “wrought upon the man” (Book of Mormon, 1 Ne 13:12). Christopher Columbus firmly believed he was divinely inspired and said “Our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed…. Who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me? (Wasserman 19-20)”
Nephi next sees many multitudes “and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters” (1 Ne 13:13) to the “land of promise.” We know that these are the colonists coming to America, many escaping the captivity of poverty or a state-enforced religion.
Then, we get to my favorite part. In verses 16-19, Nephi sees the Revolutionary War. He writes that the people did “humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.” He then beheld that they “were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.” Not only were they delivered out of the hands of Great Britain, but they were divinely protected from any of the other world powers that might have staked a claim on the Americas. Why is this? Why did God protect them? In the Book of Mormon, we learn that the American Continent is a promised land. People could only come here if they were brought by the hand of the Lord; and if they were righteous, then they would continue to be protected by the Lord. It was the same with the Colonists. 2 Ne 10:11-14 says:
“And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles. And I will fortify this land against all other nations…. For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.”
America was the first nation with religious liberty, because God had a hand in its founding, and saved this place to be a promised land. God wants this to be a land of liberty, that we can worship HIM as our king. In this way, we are truly free to serve not mammon, but only our God; and serve him with all our heart, and all our might (Holy Bible, Deut 4:5-6). May God continue to bless America.
Works Cited
The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ). Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ, 1981. Print.
The Holy Bible (KJV). Salt Lake City: The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1979. Print.
Wasserman, Jacob. Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1930. Print.
1 Nephi chapter 13 tells of a vision Nephi has when an angel visits him. He first sees Christopher Columbus going across the Atlantic and Nephi says that he sees the Spirit of God “wrought upon the man” (Book of Mormon, 1 Ne 13:12). Christopher Columbus firmly believed he was divinely inspired and said “Our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed…. Who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me? (Wasserman 19-20)”
Nephi next sees many multitudes “and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters” (1 Ne 13:13) to the “land of promise.” We know that these are the colonists coming to America, many escaping the captivity of poverty or a state-enforced religion.
Then, we get to my favorite part. In verses 16-19, Nephi sees the Revolutionary War. He writes that the people did “humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.” He then beheld that they “were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.” Not only were they delivered out of the hands of Great Britain, but they were divinely protected from any of the other world powers that might have staked a claim on the Americas. Why is this? Why did God protect them? In the Book of Mormon, we learn that the American Continent is a promised land. People could only come here if they were brought by the hand of the Lord; and if they were righteous, then they would continue to be protected by the Lord. It was the same with the Colonists. 2 Ne 10:11-14 says:
“And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles. And I will fortify this land against all other nations…. For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.”
America was the first nation with religious liberty, because God had a hand in its founding, and saved this place to be a promised land. God wants this to be a land of liberty, that we can worship HIM as our king. In this way, we are truly free to serve not mammon, but only our God; and serve him with all our heart, and all our might (Holy Bible, Deut 4:5-6). May God continue to bless America.
Works Cited
The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ). Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ, 1981. Print.
The Holy Bible (KJV). Salt Lake City: The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1979. Print.
Wasserman, Jacob. Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1930. Print.
12 October 2009
How They Convince Us We Can Pay for It.
"Lawmakers use a 10-year accounting window to assess new programs. Starting the Medicare cuts and some of the taxes in the early years — and pushing the bulk of new spending into the latter years — helps keep the cost of the health care overhaul within Obama's $900 billion limit. Bush used the same kind of maneuver to push the Medicare benefit through Congress."
If Healthcare passes, Subsidies will come later by the Associated Press
If Healthcare passes, Subsidies will come later by the Associated Press
The Road of Faith
This is a topic that no one likes to talk contemplate – adversity in our lives. Everyone has experienced it, some more, some less. There is purpose in the trials in our lives. James E. Faust quoted Brigham Young in saying that, “Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation.”
The book True to the Faith defines humility as “an acknowledgment that your talents and abilities are gifts from God … it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies.” Adversity creates this sort of humility in that you have the opportunity to learn to rely completely on the Lord. If you let it, adversity can deepen your spirituality and relationship with God and can make you more in tune with the Spirit.
Some of the darkest periods of our lives can also be times for the most learning and growth. When your heart is broken and contrite, that is when God can stretch it the most. The lyrics of the song Only the Brokenhearted express this well:
Broken hearts are deeper;
They've been opened wide
And the tears become containers
To hold more love inside
And truly feel what only the brokenhearted can (Call, Cherie).
In the midst of great adversity is where your faith can grow the most. This is the place of a great crossroads. You can choose to doubt God and ask how He could let this happen to you, or you can choose to exercise faith and believe that He will keep you in the hollow of his hand. Often, in the midst of opposition you strain to see God’s hand in your life and your human nature simply restrains you from finding it. This is exactly when you need faith the most. When you look back at your decision to not despair, but to show faith in Christ, you will see that you “took the [road] less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” (Frost).
I told a friend recently that the past few weeks have been some of the hardest of my life. In the span of just a few short weeks, I believe I have cried more than ever before, but I also believe I have learned and grown more than ever before. While I am in a completely new environment far from most of my family and friends, I have had to learn to completely rely on God. My heart has been broken, and rather than heal it right away, God has had me exercise faith that, over time, it will become whole. I am beginning to internalize the meaning of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is now, more than ever, that I have come to know what it means to have faith in Christ. I know, now, that it is not just belief, though that was the beginning. I have faith that I am where God wants me to be. I have faith that I am doing what He wants me to do. And I have faith that while He will not deliver me from adversity immediately, He is holding me in the hollow of His hand. He is picking me up when I fall and encouraging me every step of the way. He is supporting me and allowing me to learn and grow and become stronger.
As I look back on the choices I have made, I can see where I decided to simply walk with faith. I cannot see very far on the road ahead; but looking back at my path, I can see that God has been with me all the way, often carrying me over the most treacherous parts. I can see where I made the choice to walk the less traveled road of faith, and I know it has made all the difference.
Works Cited
Call, Cherie. "Only the Brokenhearted." Cherie Call's Web Page. Web. 12 Oct. 2009..
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2004. Print.
Faust, James E. "The Healing Power of Forgiveness." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 2007. Web. 12 Oct. 2009..
Frost, Robert. "The Road Not Taken. Frost, Robert. 1920. Mountain Interval." Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. http://www.bartleby.com/119/1.html.
The book True to the Faith defines humility as “an acknowledgment that your talents and abilities are gifts from God … it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies.” Adversity creates this sort of humility in that you have the opportunity to learn to rely completely on the Lord. If you let it, adversity can deepen your spirituality and relationship with God and can make you more in tune with the Spirit.
Some of the darkest periods of our lives can also be times for the most learning and growth. When your heart is broken and contrite, that is when God can stretch it the most. The lyrics of the song Only the Brokenhearted express this well:
Broken hearts are deeper;
They've been opened wide
And the tears become containers
To hold more love inside
And truly feel what only the brokenhearted can (Call, Cherie).
In the midst of great adversity is where your faith can grow the most. This is the place of a great crossroads. You can choose to doubt God and ask how He could let this happen to you, or you can choose to exercise faith and believe that He will keep you in the hollow of his hand. Often, in the midst of opposition you strain to see God’s hand in your life and your human nature simply restrains you from finding it. This is exactly when you need faith the most. When you look back at your decision to not despair, but to show faith in Christ, you will see that you “took the [road] less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” (Frost).
I told a friend recently that the past few weeks have been some of the hardest of my life. In the span of just a few short weeks, I believe I have cried more than ever before, but I also believe I have learned and grown more than ever before. While I am in a completely new environment far from most of my family and friends, I have had to learn to completely rely on God. My heart has been broken, and rather than heal it right away, God has had me exercise faith that, over time, it will become whole. I am beginning to internalize the meaning of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is now, more than ever, that I have come to know what it means to have faith in Christ. I know, now, that it is not just belief, though that was the beginning. I have faith that I am where God wants me to be. I have faith that I am doing what He wants me to do. And I have faith that while He will not deliver me from adversity immediately, He is holding me in the hollow of His hand. He is picking me up when I fall and encouraging me every step of the way. He is supporting me and allowing me to learn and grow and become stronger.
As I look back on the choices I have made, I can see where I decided to simply walk with faith. I cannot see very far on the road ahead; but looking back at my path, I can see that God has been with me all the way, often carrying me over the most treacherous parts. I can see where I made the choice to walk the less traveled road of faith, and I know it has made all the difference.
Works Cited
Call, Cherie. "Only the Brokenhearted." Cherie Call's Web Page. Web. 12 Oct. 2009.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2004. Print.
Faust, James E. "The Healing Power of Forgiveness." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 2007. Web. 12 Oct. 2009.
Frost, Robert. "The Road Not Taken. Frost, Robert. 1920. Mountain Interval." Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. http://www.bartleby.com/119/1.html.
07 October 2009
The Revolution of Sober Expectations
Why was the American Revolution special? Have there not been scores of other revolutions throughout history with equally compelling motives? In a speech entitled “The Revolution of Sober Expectations,” Martin Diamond presents evidences to why the American Revolution stands separate from the rest.
First, one must note that, unlike others, the American Revolution was not led by unchecked passions. British Troops began occupying Boston in 1768, the Boston Massacre occurred in 1770, the Battles of Lexington and Concord were in the spring of 1775, and still the Continental Congress did not declare independence until July 4, 1776. Many of the signers of the Declaration were still hesitant to sign at that time. They understood the severity of their actions. This is why the Declaration lists the offences that the King and Parliament had committed, explaining to the world their justification for this apparent treason.
The Declaration of Independence put forth the main idea for which the American Revolution would be fought – the ideal of civil liberty. Civil liberty was an ideal which not only inspired, but was also attainable. The signers did not seek to create a utopian state, but sought after a goal which was realistic and pragmatic.
Also, there is something absolutely vital to a new nation that is absent from the Declaration. There is no mention of a new government. Mr. Diamond says, “The makers of the American Revolution did not think themselves in possession of the simple and complete political truth, capable of instant application as a panacea for government.” Thus, the Declaration of Independence was only half a revolution.
The revolution was completed with the ratification of the Constitution. Through extensive debate and argumentation came a sober analysis of how this new government should be run. Many people celebrate America creating the first modern democracy, but in reality most of the Founding Fathers were against a pure democracy and were extremely concerned about the plausibility and consequences of such a government. Over the course of a long, hot summer of protracted political debate, they created a government which they called a “democratic republic.” They thereby were able to include the necessary benefits of democracy, while retaining tried governing principles of a republican nation. The government they set up has now lasted more than 230 years. Mr. Diamond said of the Constitution’s ratification that:
“At precisely that moment of crisis when other revolutions turn turbulent, begin to devour their own, and dash all the initial hopes, at precisely that moment ripe for disaster, the American Revolution achieved its glory by a unique moment of stillness and sobriety.”
The American Revolution was one of sober expectations. The Founding Fathers knew the risks they were taking, and took the time to be sure of what they were doing. They considered each step and were critical of each principle. They were skeptical, sober, and realistic, while always keeping in sight their goal of liberty. It was a revolution like no other.
Works Cited
Diamond, Martin. "The Revolution of Sober Expectations." Independence Square, Philadephia, in the House of Representatives Chamber, Congress Hall, Philadelphia. 24 Oct. 1973. Speech.
First, one must note that, unlike others, the American Revolution was not led by unchecked passions. British Troops began occupying Boston in 1768, the Boston Massacre occurred in 1770, the Battles of Lexington and Concord were in the spring of 1775, and still the Continental Congress did not declare independence until July 4, 1776. Many of the signers of the Declaration were still hesitant to sign at that time. They understood the severity of their actions. This is why the Declaration lists the offences that the King and Parliament had committed, explaining to the world their justification for this apparent treason.
The Declaration of Independence put forth the main idea for which the American Revolution would be fought – the ideal of civil liberty. Civil liberty was an ideal which not only inspired, but was also attainable. The signers did not seek to create a utopian state, but sought after a goal which was realistic and pragmatic.
Also, there is something absolutely vital to a new nation that is absent from the Declaration. There is no mention of a new government. Mr. Diamond says, “The makers of the American Revolution did not think themselves in possession of the simple and complete political truth, capable of instant application as a panacea for government.” Thus, the Declaration of Independence was only half a revolution.
The revolution was completed with the ratification of the Constitution. Through extensive debate and argumentation came a sober analysis of how this new government should be run. Many people celebrate America creating the first modern democracy, but in reality most of the Founding Fathers were against a pure democracy and were extremely concerned about the plausibility and consequences of such a government. Over the course of a long, hot summer of protracted political debate, they created a government which they called a “democratic republic.” They thereby were able to include the necessary benefits of democracy, while retaining tried governing principles of a republican nation. The government they set up has now lasted more than 230 years. Mr. Diamond said of the Constitution’s ratification that:
“At precisely that moment of crisis when other revolutions turn turbulent, begin to devour their own, and dash all the initial hopes, at precisely that moment ripe for disaster, the American Revolution achieved its glory by a unique moment of stillness and sobriety.”
The American Revolution was one of sober expectations. The Founding Fathers knew the risks they were taking, and took the time to be sure of what they were doing. They considered each step and were critical of each principle. They were skeptical, sober, and realistic, while always keeping in sight their goal of liberty. It was a revolution like no other.
Works Cited
Diamond, Martin. "The Revolution of Sober Expectations." Independence Square, Philadephia, in the House of Representatives Chamber, Congress Hall, Philadelphia. 24 Oct. 1973. Speech.
05 October 2009
The Two Fundamental Laws
In my political science class today, we were discussing the correlation between Politics and Economics. My Professor, Kirk Hawkins, told us:
"Protection of property rights and and enforcement of contracts are crucial for investments, innovation, and growth."
This statement immediately reminded me of the concept of the "Two Fundamental Laws". The Two Fundamental Laws are an idea presented by Richard J. Maybury in his educational "Uncle Eric" book series. It is my belief that these are the only laws any government or society needs to function, and I would like to present them for your consideration. They are:
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"Protection of property rights and and enforcement of contracts are crucial for investments, innovation, and growth."
This statement immediately reminded me of the concept of the "Two Fundamental Laws". The Two Fundamental Laws are an idea presented by Richard J. Maybury in his educational "Uncle Eric" book series. It is my belief that these are the only laws any government or society needs to function, and I would like to present them for your consideration. They are:
"Let's Abolish High School"
As a formerly homeschooled student, I am a big supporter of alternative education; which is one reason I found the following article so compelling. Though I can't agree 100% with everything Dr. Epstein says, I think this is a well-educated and provocative viewpoint.
"Let's Abolish High School" by Dr. Robert Epstein
"Let's Abolish High School" by Dr. Robert Epstein
01 October 2009
Governments Terrorize Homeschoolers
I just finished reading an article about a Swedish family who had their son taken away because they were homeschooling him. If this were Germany, I wouldn't be surprised; but, in Sweden homeschooling is legal. The story is truly shocking. However, this is not an isolated incidence. The Home School Legal Defense Association reports far too many of these cases of government intrusion. Here is the story:
http://www.hslda.org/default.asp?bhcp=1
The fight for parental rights is real and scary. The right to choose your child's education is not the only parental right at risk. If this article frightened you, I urge you to check out http://www.parentalrights.org/ and learn about the issues, pending legislation, and what you can do to protect your children from the government.
If you would like to learn more about the specific fight for homeschooling rights, I highly suggest the HSLDA website: http://www.hslda.org/.
These two websites are also in my sidebar under "My Favs".
http://www.hslda.org/default.asp?bhcp=1
The fight for parental rights is real and scary. The right to choose your child's education is not the only parental right at risk. If this article frightened you, I urge you to check out http://www.parentalrights.org/ and learn about the issues, pending legislation, and what you can do to protect your children from the government.
If you would like to learn more about the specific fight for homeschooling rights, I highly suggest the HSLDA website: http://www.hslda.org/.
These two websites are also in my sidebar under "My Favs".
30 September 2009
John Adams resources
If you would like to learn more about John Adams, I highly recommend the book by David McCullough simply titled John Adams and the HBO miniseries of the same name.
John Adams: Fighting for Independence
Of all the Founding Fathers I have studied, John Adams has never been one to stand out in my mind. Certainly, I know he was an important player in the events, but I have never really paid him much heed. He did not lead the armies, like General George Washington. He did not author a monumental document, as did Thomas Jefferson. He was not clever and inventive, as was Benjamin Franklin. He did not even lead exciting revolts, as did his cousin Samuel Adams when he led the Boston Tea Party. However, I have come to find that Mr. Adams was just as important a figure as any of these gentlemen, if not more.
As a lawyer from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, John Adams did many of the “behind-the-scenes” jobs that we don’t pay attention to, and yet are often the most important. Specifically, I will discuss his role in helping the Colonies to transform into free and independent states.
It was Mr. Adams who headed the Massachusetts delegation to the Continental Congress and was one of the most active voices in that chamber. It was Mr. Adams who called incessantly for support of the Massachusetts militia, who were the first, and for a long time only, militia fighting back against the British forces near Boston. It was also Mr. Adams who proposed that they select a Commander-in-Chief to lead these armed forces, and then suggested Colonel George Washington from the Virginia delegation to fill the position. Mr. Adams was Washington’s most ardent voice in Congress when the armies needed money or supplies.
Mr. Adams was also the foremost supporter of independence. He was one of the first congressmen to even put forth the idea. It was he, along with Benjamin Franklin, who asked Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence. When Independence was finally to come to a vote, John Dickinson, the foremost opponent of the proposal, stood and spoke with great eloquence and genuine concern about the consequences of such a Declaration. When he finished, no one dared respond until John Adams at last took the floor. What followed was a speech that many said was the finest Adams ever gave. Thomas Jefferson later said of the speech that Adams was “not graceful nor elegant, nor remarkable fluent,” but spoke “with a power of thought and expression that moved us from our seats (McCullough 127).” It was the turning point of the debate. Richard Stockton, a delegate from New Jersey said that Adams was “the man to whom the country is most indebted for the great measure of independency. . . . He it was who sustained the debate, and by the force of his reasoning demonstrated not only the justice, but the expediency of the measure (McCullough 127).” Once the vote took place and motion for independence had passed, Adams continued on to be the zealous protector of the Declaration and every phrase and concept that Jefferson had written therein.
As Richard Stockton said, we are indeed indebted to John Adams, among other men, for the independency and founding of our country. He fought in the chamber of congress with the zeal and energy one would expect to find on the battlefield. He believed so much in the necessity of a free and independent country, that he said, “we should always remember that a free constitution of civil government cannot be purchased at too dear a rate, as there is nothing on this side of Jerusalem of equal importance to mankind (McCullough 125).”
John Adams was a vital player in the events of our American Revolution. I am so grateful to have had this man to fight for the cause of independence and to lead our country as the second President of the United States.
Works Cited
McCullough, David. John Adams. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2001. Print.
24 September 2009
Pelosi Ignoring Fiscal Realities of Healthcare
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is pushing government-run healthcare reform while government-run Medicare is already $38 trillion in debt!
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=695448
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=695448
Morality Necessary for a Free Government
This is a quote from George Washington's farewell address when he left the presidency. He listed several important guidelines for future political decisions, and here is one of the most important ones he listed:
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?"
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
Please go back and read that last paragraph and make sure you understand it.
Who, indeed? Who can look indifferently at our government's push to take morality and religion out of public affairs? Why are we standing idly by?
Also, please note that he gave this speech while still the President of the United States. So much for separation of church and state.
"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?"
http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp
Please go back and read that last paragraph and make sure you understand it.
Who, indeed? Who can look indifferently at our government's push to take morality and religion out of public affairs? Why are we standing idly by?
Also, please note that he gave this speech while still the President of the United States. So much for separation of church and state.
The Values of the Founding Fathers
There are a few things in this life that can make me so happy I could cry:
1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
2. People I love
3. Holding a baby
4. The Story of America's Journey to Independence
In class today, we watched Part 2 of John Adams produced by HBO. It reminded me yet again of the sacrifices, the toils, the hard fight that our Fathers gave for their country. They believed in this grand experiment. They believed in their natural rights. They were good, honest men with strong characters, backed by smart, hard-working women.
It is my firm belief that God had a hand in the founding of this country. I'm not just saying this because it is what other Christians say, but because I truly believe it.
As I watched this movie, I was in awe at the fantastic caliber of men who founded this country. Our nation has gone so far awry since the beginning of our country. We must return to the values that these men believed in - honesty, morality, honor, patriotism, personal responsibility, hard work, charity, humility, and integrity. These are not out-dated values. They are true now as they were true then and they could solve many of our problems. We must return to what the founders intended us to be. I will post an important quote by Geroge Washington on this topic in my next blog.
1. The Gospel of Jesus Christ
2. People I love
3. Holding a baby
4. The Story of America's Journey to Independence
In class today, we watched Part 2 of John Adams produced by HBO. It reminded me yet again of the sacrifices, the toils, the hard fight that our Fathers gave for their country. They believed in this grand experiment. They believed in their natural rights. They were good, honest men with strong characters, backed by smart, hard-working women.
It is my firm belief that God had a hand in the founding of this country. I'm not just saying this because it is what other Christians say, but because I truly believe it.
As I watched this movie, I was in awe at the fantastic caliber of men who founded this country. Our nation has gone so far awry since the beginning of our country. We must return to the values that these men believed in - honesty, morality, honor, patriotism, personal responsibility, hard work, charity, humility, and integrity. These are not out-dated values. They are true now as they were true then and they could solve many of our problems. We must return to what the founders intended us to be. I will post an important quote by Geroge Washington on this topic in my next blog.
Petition Against Hate Crimes Bill
This is a petition from the Liberty Counsel against the Hate Crimes Bill.
http://www.libertyaction.org/292/petition.asp?PID=22256379&P=1&NID=1
http://www.libertyaction.org/292/petition.asp?PID=22256379&P=1&NID=1
23 September 2009
Pandemic Bill
I can't believe this... Now they're using swine flu to take away people's rights? This bill would let officials force their way into your home!
http://www3.whdh.com/news/articles/local/BO123558/?utm_source=Comprehensive&utm_campaign=95f3a41c46-In_brief_9_22-2009&utm_medium=email
22 September 2009
A Fun Conversation from My Facebook Page
T: currently adding evidence we are a Christian Nation to her blog :)A Patriot's Heart
Source: apatriotheart.blogspot.com
September 16 at 11:33pm · Comment · Like / Unlike · View Feedback (10)Hide Feedback (10) · Share
Karen B: I love your blog! I wish the whole world could see it and read it. Well, I guess theoretically they COULD, but I wish they WOULD!
September 16 at 11:58pm · Delete
T: Lol. well thanks!
September 17 at 12:17am · Delete
Don L: Just to be a trouble maker..... How can a christian nation be founded by a bunch of deists?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deists
September 17 at 7:30am · Delete
T: Well, I'm not sure anything I say willl satisfy you since you just like to make trouble.lol. But modern historians have a tendency to classify many people as deists that i don't agree with. I don't have time to research right now, so don't ask me to prove it. There were only 4 peoople on that list that I agree may have been deists, and only 3 of those actually signed either the Declaration or Constitution - Thomas Paine signed neither. I cannot agree with George Washington being a deist. Again, don't ask me to prove it. I'm too busy.
Also, Christianity is a very encompassing term. Some deists argued that they were practicing the PURE form of Christianity.
But whether you classify them as Christian or not in the modern sense, what is important is that they believed in God. If it makes you feel better, I could also say that this nation was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs.
September 17 at 8:00am · Delete
T: One more thought... Deists believed that God did not intervene in the affairs of men. If Benjamin Franklin believed that, why did he say:
"In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain... we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine Protection. -- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor...
I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? "
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/benfranklin.htm
If Thomas Jefferson believed this, why did he include in the Declaration the statement:
"...with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence..."
September 17 at 10:50am · Delete
T: and, yes, I realize I just tried to prove what I said I wasn't going to prove. Lol!
September 17 at 10:56am · Delete
Karen B: you go girl! Let him have it! :-)
September 17 at 11:15am · Delete
Don L: Very good. Founded on judeo-christian beliefs is more easily defensible, and judeo-christian priciples would probably be more accurate. The fact is that many of our founding fathers also cherished many Greek and Roman ideas and ideals. Democracy itself is essentially absent from the Bible. They also argued that there was "natural law," hence statements like "We hold these truths to be self evident."
September 17 at 2:27pm · Delete
T: I absolutely agree with the concept of natural law, a law higher than any human law. This "natural law" is what all of our political laws really should be based on. I also believe that the Founders believed this Natural Law came from God, which is why the Declaration says that we are "endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights." Note ... Read Morethat the Constitution does not grant rights - it lists them. This is why John Quincy Adams said:
"Our political way of life is by the laws of nature, of nature's God, and of course presupposes the existence of God, the moral ruler of the universe,and a rule of right and wrong, of just and unjust, binding upon man, preceding all institutions of human society and government."
They did model much of the government after Greek and Roman ideals, but it was always with the knowledge that this Natural Law came from their Creator.
September 17 at 3:17pm · Delete
T: Biblio: the quote and several ideas came from "Whatever Happened to Justice?" by Richard Maybury
September 17 at 3:20pm · Delete
Source: apatriotheart.blogspot.com
September 16 at 11:33pm · Comment · Like / Unlike · View Feedback (10)Hide Feedback (10) · Share
Karen B: I love your blog! I wish the whole world could see it and read it. Well, I guess theoretically they COULD, but I wish they WOULD!
September 16 at 11:58pm · Delete
T: Lol. well thanks!
September 17 at 12:17am · Delete
Don L: Just to be a trouble maker..... How can a christian nation be founded by a bunch of deists?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_deists
September 17 at 7:30am · Delete
T: Well, I'm not sure anything I say willl satisfy you since you just like to make trouble.lol. But modern historians have a tendency to classify many people as deists that i don't agree with. I don't have time to research right now, so don't ask me to prove it. There were only 4 peoople on that list that I agree may have been deists, and only 3 of those actually signed either the Declaration or Constitution - Thomas Paine signed neither. I cannot agree with George Washington being a deist. Again, don't ask me to prove it. I'm too busy.
Also, Christianity is a very encompassing term. Some deists argued that they were practicing the PURE form of Christianity.
But whether you classify them as Christian or not in the modern sense, what is important is that they believed in God. If it makes you feel better, I could also say that this nation was founded on Judeo-Christian beliefs.
September 17 at 8:00am · Delete
T: One more thought... Deists believed that God did not intervene in the affairs of men. If Benjamin Franklin believed that, why did he say:
"In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain... we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine Protection. -- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor...
I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? "
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/benfranklin.htm
If Thomas Jefferson believed this, why did he include in the Declaration the statement:
"...with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence..."
September 17 at 10:50am · Delete
T: and, yes, I realize I just tried to prove what I said I wasn't going to prove. Lol!
September 17 at 10:56am · Delete
Karen B: you go girl! Let him have it! :-)
September 17 at 11:15am · Delete
Don L: Very good. Founded on judeo-christian beliefs is more easily defensible, and judeo-christian priciples would probably be more accurate. The fact is that many of our founding fathers also cherished many Greek and Roman ideas and ideals. Democracy itself is essentially absent from the Bible. They also argued that there was "natural law," hence statements like "We hold these truths to be self evident."
September 17 at 2:27pm · Delete
T: I absolutely agree with the concept of natural law, a law higher than any human law. This "natural law" is what all of our political laws really should be based on. I also believe that the Founders believed this Natural Law came from God, which is why the Declaration says that we are "endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights." Note ... Read Morethat the Constitution does not grant rights - it lists them. This is why John Quincy Adams said:
"Our political way of life is by the laws of nature, of nature's God, and of course presupposes the existence of God, the moral ruler of the universe,and a rule of right and wrong, of just and unjust, binding upon man, preceding all institutions of human society and government."
They did model much of the government after Greek and Roman ideals, but it was always with the knowledge that this Natural Law came from their Creator.
September 17 at 3:17pm · Delete
T: Biblio: the quote and several ideas came from "Whatever Happened to Justice?" by Richard Maybury
September 17 at 3:20pm · Delete
17 September 2009
The Ten Commandments in DC
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was signed on 4 July 1776. It announced to the world that we were free and separate from Great Britain and was the first founding document of our nation. It is revered in our nation and abroad for its proud declarations of equality and "unalienable rights." It has been cited several times in court rulings in the United States. It is interesting to note that this legal document mentions God four separate times, as the founders declared that HE had endowed men with their rights and as they sought validation from him for their actions. The Declaration reads:
"...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them..."
"...they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."
"...appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions..."
"...with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence..."
Anyone who claims that we are not a Christian, or at least a religious, nation needs to re-read our Declaration. There is even a subtle nod in the Constitution when it says "...in the Year of our Lord...". Also, officials of the state to this day swear their oath of office with their hand on the Holy Bible. Not on the Constitution, but on the Word of God.
When you study history, you can see that the term "separation of church and state" has changed vastly over time. The founders never intended that there be no mention of God in state affairs. They were simply assuring that there would not be an official state religion - that people could worship as they please.
God Bless America.
"...the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them..."
"...they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."
"...appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions..."
"...with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence..."
Anyone who claims that we are not a Christian, or at least a religious, nation needs to re-read our Declaration. There is even a subtle nod in the Constitution when it says "...in the Year of our Lord...". Also, officials of the state to this day swear their oath of office with their hand on the Holy Bible. Not on the Constitution, but on the Word of God.
When you study history, you can see that the term "separation of church and state" has changed vastly over time. The founders never intended that there be no mention of God in state affairs. They were simply assuring that there would not be an official state religion - that people could worship as they please.
God Bless America.
16 September 2009
For the Want of Tears
For the Want of Tears
Narrative - An African Slave Being Shipped Across the Atlantic
It reeks. It smells of blood and urine and sweat and the decay of human bodies. The unmoving air hangs heavy on my face. It pushes against my skin and I try not to think about not being able to move. How long I have laid in this position I do not know. Has it been days? Weeks? A season? How long will we be here?!? I stop that thought. It only makes the hurt worse.
I try to focus my eyes on the boards above me. Through the dark, my eyes follow the grain of the wood, making shapes. There is the shape of a body, tiny little legs, and wings. I have decided this is like the little birds that used to hide in the tall grasses around my village. My mind wanders and I remember chasing those little birds with the other girls in my village. We would creep through the grass until we saw a bird and then jump out and try to catch it. We never succeeded, but what a wonderful game that was! This little wooden bird is my friend.
My mind is quickly brought back to the present as another woman beside me stirs in her sleep and groans at the pain it causes. I do not know if her poor, skinny body will last much longer. I cannot offer her any help, not any physical comfort at all. Even if they did bring water for our parched throats, it is foul and would likely do no good. The woman is not conscious enough to drink anyway. I start to sing, to soothe her with my voice. My chant calms her groans, but my voice quickly grows weak and raspy. I can’t soothe her long, but she sleeps again.
What kind of monsters hold us captive? They walk like men, but their skin is pale like the sand. They talk in strange tongues and hold sticks that throw fire and kill a man in one blink. I tremble thinking about this. I try to change my thoughts, but it is too late. The scene comes to my mind of my father falling backward, murdered by this weapon in the hands of an enemy tribe. What kind of cruel beings are these?
I shudder, but it hurts. Moving hurts. I am sore and stiff. I hurt. My stomach cramps and pains for food. My mouth and lips call for water. My muscles cramp, but I cannot stretch. My head hurts. My heart hurts. My nose recoils at the awful smell - the smell of suffering and death.
I hear a monster’s voice coming down from above. His voice is slurred. I do not know how the monsters cause their minds and voices to blur, but I know what happens when they do. This monster wants a woman. My whole body and mind is frozen in fear. I pray to whatever Gods may hear that I may be hidden in shadow and darkness. The voice moves the other direction. I hear metal move, and rasping screams. The screams pierce me. I know she does not have the strength to fight. I hear something strike flesh. The screams turn to moans and finally silence and I hear footsteps, with the sound of dragging behind.
I want to weep, but do not have the energy. My eyes burn for the want of tears. I can feel my body start to shake, but this only hurts. I force myself to be still. I want this suffering to end. I would rather be thrown off this wretched boat than suffer any longer. I want my life to end. I force myself to think of nothing. See nothing. Hear nothing. Smell nothing. Feel nothing. I want to be no longer. I want to exist no more.
Narrative - An African Slave Being Shipped Across the Atlantic
It reeks. It smells of blood and urine and sweat and the decay of human bodies. The unmoving air hangs heavy on my face. It pushes against my skin and I try not to think about not being able to move. How long I have laid in this position I do not know. Has it been days? Weeks? A season? How long will we be here?!? I stop that thought. It only makes the hurt worse.
I try to focus my eyes on the boards above me. Through the dark, my eyes follow the grain of the wood, making shapes. There is the shape of a body, tiny little legs, and wings. I have decided this is like the little birds that used to hide in the tall grasses around my village. My mind wanders and I remember chasing those little birds with the other girls in my village. We would creep through the grass until we saw a bird and then jump out and try to catch it. We never succeeded, but what a wonderful game that was! This little wooden bird is my friend.
My mind is quickly brought back to the present as another woman beside me stirs in her sleep and groans at the pain it causes. I do not know if her poor, skinny body will last much longer. I cannot offer her any help, not any physical comfort at all. Even if they did bring water for our parched throats, it is foul and would likely do no good. The woman is not conscious enough to drink anyway. I start to sing, to soothe her with my voice. My chant calms her groans, but my voice quickly grows weak and raspy. I can’t soothe her long, but she sleeps again.
What kind of monsters hold us captive? They walk like men, but their skin is pale like the sand. They talk in strange tongues and hold sticks that throw fire and kill a man in one blink. I tremble thinking about this. I try to change my thoughts, but it is too late. The scene comes to my mind of my father falling backward, murdered by this weapon in the hands of an enemy tribe. What kind of cruel beings are these?
I shudder, but it hurts. Moving hurts. I am sore and stiff. I hurt. My stomach cramps and pains for food. My mouth and lips call for water. My muscles cramp, but I cannot stretch. My head hurts. My heart hurts. My nose recoils at the awful smell - the smell of suffering and death.
I hear a monster’s voice coming down from above. His voice is slurred. I do not know how the monsters cause their minds and voices to blur, but I know what happens when they do. This monster wants a woman. My whole body and mind is frozen in fear. I pray to whatever Gods may hear that I may be hidden in shadow and darkness. The voice moves the other direction. I hear metal move, and rasping screams. The screams pierce me. I know she does not have the strength to fight. I hear something strike flesh. The screams turn to moans and finally silence and I hear footsteps, with the sound of dragging behind.
I want to weep, but do not have the energy. My eyes burn for the want of tears. I can feel my body start to shake, but this only hurts. I force myself to be still. I want this suffering to end. I would rather be thrown off this wretched boat than suffer any longer. I want my life to end. I force myself to think of nothing. See nothing. Hear nothing. Smell nothing. Feel nothing. I want to be no longer. I want to exist no more.
12 September 2009
11 September 2009
God Bless America
If you ever visit Washington, D.C., I highly recommend visiting the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon. When I went this spring, I was captivated. The memorial is simple, but beautiful. There are rows of benches balanced over small reflecting pools, and when the sunlight hits the water, it reflects up onto the supports of the benches to create the illusion of flames. Each bench has a name engraved on the end of a victim of 9/11 at the Pentagon. The benches are arranged in rows, according to the age of the person who died, and are also arranged as to whether the person died in the Pentagon or on the plane. I was surprised to find out there were several children on board the plane, I believe it was one toddler and a few sixth graders headed to a national writing contest. Also, there was a person in a car in the parking lot in front of the pentagon, which the plane hit on the way into the Pentagon.
While man has agency to do according to his desires, I believe God is watching out and moving in ways to prevent, or lighten, the harm to others from wicked choices. For example:
At the time of the crash, the Pentagon was undergoing renovations to strengthen its walls. The site where the plane crashed was one of the few areas that reinforcement had been completed. If it weren't for this reinforcement, the damage could have been far worse.
On the way into the Pentagon, the plane hit either a power pole or telephone pole (I can't remember exactly) which slowed down its momentum and caused it to veer slightly.
A cousin showing us the memorial told us a captivating story: There used to be a DMV office in the Pentagon where people could go and get their licenses and tags renewed. It was located very near the point the plane crashed. A friend of my cousin got home from a trip and needed to get his license plate renewed, and so he drove over to the Pentagon on September 11th. When he got to the parking lot, he could not remember why he had came. After racking his brain, he finally drove away. About a mile out, he saw the plane hit the Pentagon.
When they rebuilt the Pentagon, they built in a lovely multi-faith chapel in the spot the plane hit. It is a place of peace and memory for all who were effected by the tragedy. May we ever remember the victims and heroes of 9/11. May God Bless America.
First-hand Account of Obama's visit to Montana
This is a first-hand account of Obama's townhall visit to Montana that I received on 3 Sep 2009. It is a true story from a reliable source. I thought it was a very interesting, and slightly frightening, point of view.
Hello All,
By now you have probably heard that President Obama
came to Montana last Friday. However, there are many things that the major news
has not covered. I feel that since Bill and I live here and we were at the
airport on Friday I should share some facts with you. Whatever you decide to do
with the information is up to you. If you chose to share this email with others
I do ask that you DELETE my email address before you forward this on.
(done!)
On Wednesday, August 5th it was announced locally that the
President would be coming here. There are many groups here that are against his
healthcare and huge spending so those groups began talking and deciding on what
they were going to do. The White House would not release ANY details other than
the date.
On about Tuesday Bill found out that they would be holding the
"Town Hall" at the airport. (This is only because Bill knows EVERYONE at the
airport) Our airport is actually located outside of Belgrade (tiny town) in a
very remote location. Nothing is around there. They chose to use a hangar that
is the most remotely located hangar. You could not pick a more remote location,
and you cannot get to it easily. It is totally secluded from the
public.
FYI: We have many areas in Belgrade and Bozeman which could have
held a large amount of folks with sufficient parking. (gymnasiums/auditoriums).
All of which have chairs and tables, and would not have to be SHIPPED IN!!
$$$$$
During the week, cargo by the TONS was being shipped in constantly.
Airport employees could not believe how it just kept coming. Though it was our
President coming several expressed how excessive it was, especially during a
recession. $$$$$
Late Tuesday/early Wednesday the 12th, they said
that tickets would be handed out on Thursday 9am at two locations and the
president would be arriving around 12:30 Friday.
Thursday morning about 600 tickets were passed out. However, 1500 were printed at a Local printing shop
per White House request. Hmmmm......900 tickets just DISAPPEARED.
This same morning someone called into the radio from the local UPS branch and said
that THOUSANDS of Dollars of Lobster were shipped in for Obama. Montana has some
of the best beef in the nation!!! And it would have been really wonderful to
help out the local economy. Anyone heard of the Recession?? Just think...with
all of the traveling the White House is doing. $$$$$ One can only imagine what
else we are paying for.
On Friday Bill and I got out to the airport about
10:45am. The groups that wanted to protest Obama's spending and healthcare had
gotten a permit to protest and that area was roped off. But that was not to be.
A large bus carrying SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members drove
up onto the area (illegal)and unloaded right there. It was quite a commotion and
there were specifically 2 SEIU men trying to make trouble and start a fight.
Police did get involved and arrested the one man but they said they did not have
the manpower to remove the SEIU crowd.
The SEIU crowd was very organized and young. About 99% were under the age of 30 and they were not locals! They had bullhorns and PROFESSIONALLY made signs. Some even wore preprinted T-shirts. Oh,
and Planned Parenthood folks were with them.....professing abortion rights with
their T-shirts and preprinted signs. (BTW, all these folks did have a permit to
protest in ANOTHER area)
Those against healthcare/spending moved away
from the SEIU crowd to avoid confrontation. They were orderly and respectful.
Even though SEIU kept coming over and walking through, continuing to be very
intimidating and aggressive at the direction of the one SEIU man.
So we had Montana folks from ALL OVER the state with their homemade signs and their
DOGS with homemade signs. We had cowboys, nurses, doctors you name it. There was
even a guy from Texas who had been driving through. He found out about the
occasion, went to the store, made a sign, and came to protest.
If you are wondering about the press.....Well, all of the major networks were over by that
remote hangar I mentioned. They were conveniently parked on the other side of
the buildings FAR away. None of these crowds were even visible to them. I have
my doubts that they knew anything about the crowds.
We did have some local news media around us from this state and Idaho. Speaking of the local
media...they were invited. However, all questions were to be turned into the
White House in advance of the event. Wouldn't want anyone to have to think off
the top of their head.
It was very obvious that it was meant to be
totally controlled by the White House. Everything was orchestrated down to the
last detail to make it appear that Montana is just crazy for Obama and
government healthcare. Even those people that talked about their insurance
woes........the White House called our local HRDC (Human Resource and
Development Committee) and asked for names. Then the White House asked those
folks to come. Smoke and mirrors...EVERYTHING was staged!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very dismayed about what I learned about our current White House. The amount of
control and manipulation was unbelievable. I felt I was not living in the United
States of America, more like the USSR!! I was physically nauseous. Bill and I
have been around when Presidents or Heads of State visit. It has NEVER been like
this. I am truly very frightened for our country. America needs your prayers and
your voices. If you care about our country please get involved. Know the issues.
And let Congress hear your voices again and again!! If they are willing to put
forth so much effort to BULLY a small town one can only imagine what is going on
in Washington DC. Scary!!
Kathy B.
Montana
Hello All,
By now you have probably heard that President Obama
came to Montana last Friday. However, there are many things that the major news
has not covered. I feel that since Bill and I live here and we were at the
airport on Friday I should share some facts with you. Whatever you decide to do
with the information is up to you. If you chose to share this email with others
I do ask that you DELETE my email address before you forward this on.
(done!)
On Wednesday, August 5th it was announced locally that the
President would be coming here. There are many groups here that are against his
healthcare and huge spending so those groups began talking and deciding on what
they were going to do. The White House would not release ANY details other than
the date.
On about Tuesday Bill found out that they would be holding the
"Town Hall" at the airport. (This is only because Bill knows EVERYONE at the
airport) Our airport is actually located outside of Belgrade (tiny town) in a
very remote location. Nothing is around there. They chose to use a hangar that
is the most remotely located hangar. You could not pick a more remote location,
and you cannot get to it easily. It is totally secluded from the
public.
FYI: We have many areas in Belgrade and Bozeman which could have
held a large amount of folks with sufficient parking. (gymnasiums/auditoriums).
All of which have chairs and tables, and would not have to be SHIPPED IN!!
$$$$$
During the week, cargo by the TONS was being shipped in constantly.
Airport employees could not believe how it just kept coming. Though it was our
President coming several expressed how excessive it was, especially during a
recession. $$$$$
Late Tuesday/early Wednesday the 12th, they said
that tickets would be handed out on Thursday 9am at two locations and the
president would be arriving around 12:30 Friday.
Thursday morning about 600 tickets were passed out. However, 1500 were printed at a Local printing shop
per White House request. Hmmmm......900 tickets just DISAPPEARED.
This same morning someone called into the radio from the local UPS branch and said
that THOUSANDS of Dollars of Lobster were shipped in for Obama. Montana has some
of the best beef in the nation!!! And it would have been really wonderful to
help out the local economy. Anyone heard of the Recession?? Just think...with
all of the traveling the White House is doing. $$$$$ One can only imagine what
else we are paying for.
On Friday Bill and I got out to the airport about
10:45am. The groups that wanted to protest Obama's spending and healthcare had
gotten a permit to protest and that area was roped off. But that was not to be.
A large bus carrying SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members drove
up onto the area (illegal)and unloaded right there. It was quite a commotion and
there were specifically 2 SEIU men trying to make trouble and start a fight.
Police did get involved and arrested the one man but they said they did not have
the manpower to remove the SEIU crowd.
The SEIU crowd was very organized and young. About 99% were under the age of 30 and they were not locals! They had bullhorns and PROFESSIONALLY made signs. Some even wore preprinted T-shirts. Oh,
and Planned Parenthood folks were with them.....professing abortion rights with
their T-shirts and preprinted signs. (BTW, all these folks did have a permit to
protest in ANOTHER area)
Those against healthcare/spending moved away
from the SEIU crowd to avoid confrontation. They were orderly and respectful.
Even though SEIU kept coming over and walking through, continuing to be very
intimidating and aggressive at the direction of the one SEIU man.
So we had Montana folks from ALL OVER the state with their homemade signs and their
DOGS with homemade signs. We had cowboys, nurses, doctors you name it. There was
even a guy from Texas who had been driving through. He found out about the
occasion, went to the store, made a sign, and came to protest.
If you are wondering about the press.....Well, all of the major networks were over by that
remote hangar I mentioned. They were conveniently parked on the other side of
the buildings FAR away. None of these crowds were even visible to them. I have
my doubts that they knew anything about the crowds.
We did have some local news media around us from this state and Idaho. Speaking of the local
media...they were invited. However, all questions were to be turned into the
White House in advance of the event. Wouldn't want anyone to have to think off
the top of their head.
It was very obvious that it was meant to be
totally controlled by the White House. Everything was orchestrated down to the
last detail to make it appear that Montana is just crazy for Obama and
government healthcare. Even those people that talked about their insurance
woes........the White House called our local HRDC (Human Resource and
Development Committee) and asked for names. Then the White House asked those
folks to come. Smoke and mirrors...EVERYTHING was staged!!!!!!!!!!!
I am very dismayed about what I learned about our current White House. The amount of
control and manipulation was unbelievable. I felt I was not living in the United
States of America, more like the USSR!! I was physically nauseous. Bill and I
have been around when Presidents or Heads of State visit. It has NEVER been like
this. I am truly very frightened for our country. America needs your prayers and
your voices. If you care about our country please get involved. Know the issues.
And let Congress hear your voices again and again!! If they are willing to put
forth so much effort to BULLY a small town one can only imagine what is going on
in Washington DC. Scary!!
Kathy B.
Montana
10 September 2009
I have a blog :)
I created this blog as an assignment from my Honors American Government and Society class. I'm not sure what I will be posting, but I'm sure it will be fascinating!
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