It is the Soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.
It is the Soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the Soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.
(Attributed to Charles Michael Province, U.S Army)
This poem is one of my favorites; it really puts into perspective how fortunate we are as Americans to have the freedoms of religion, press, speech, etc. and it reminds me of who I should thank for these freedoms: our military. I am able to pursue the education I desire, speak my mind on this blog, and go to the church I want to go to on Sundays because of the American soldier.
I have always had a deep respect for men and women in uniform. I realized in early 2011 that there really are no words to express my gratitude for their service to our country, and that is when I discovered an organization called Soldiers Angels.
Soldiers Angels allows participants to directly support deployed and wounded soldiers and their families. You don’t just send off a financial donation and hope it helps. There are dozens of teams and projects to become involved in. Participating in the Adopt A Soldier program and the Letter Writing Team has truly changed my life. I have supported two soldiers with monthly letters and care packages and frequent emails, and each week I receive two soldier addresses. To these I write letters of support and send care packages if they request anything.
I have met some absolutely incredible, selfless, and dedicated people through this program. It has taught me the value of giving without expecting anything in return. I continue to see the dedication of our troops and hope to emulate that selflessness in my own life by helping others. I encourage and challenge you to become involved in Soldiers Angels. It will not only bring a smile to the face of a soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan, but I assure you, your life will be changed for the better!
www.soldiersangels.org
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Freedom OF/FROM religion?
More and more it seems like our “freedom of religion” is turning into “freedom from religion” as organizations like the ACLU and individuals obsessed with political correctness continually try to purge any and all reference to religion from our culture.
Several football coaches at a public high school in Westmoreland, Tenn., were reprimanded for bowing their heads during a student-led prayer before a game. These coaches were required to sign statements indicating they understood “the school’s policy, which prohibits staff from appearing to participate in a student prayer in any way, even if it takes place after hours.”
The coaches didn’t say a word; they simply bowed their heads alongside students. I suppose the non-offensive act would have been for them to stare blankly into space. Whether these coaches are Christians or religious at all is regardless, as it seems that freedom of religion ends when you reach the public sector (even though it is the public sector that guarantees a freedom of religion in the First Amendment of the Constitution…hmm). Let me remind you that the phrase “separation of church and state” does not exist in the United States Constitution. It first appeared in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists of Pennsylvania 1802 when they expressed their concern over a false rumor regarding a national denomination. (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/987191/posts)
I do not understand what is offensive about this. The First Amendment of the Constitution ensures, “Congress shall make no law respecting and establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Are a couple of coaches who bow their heads in a student-led prayer forcing any other student to do the same? I really don’t think so.
Life is not perfect, and unless you lock yourself in an empty room eternally you are bound to become offended at one point or another. If you’re at a football game and a prayer is said, and you happen to not be a praying person—the answer, to me, seems simple: don’t pray! Or if you pray to a different God, take the opportunity to pray to that God!
In the words of Glenn Beck, “Political correctness doesn’t change us; it shuts us up.” All I can say is, if I were a student at this school, I would be BEGGING my parents to send me to a private or charter school. Now if you’ll please excuse me I am going to go bow my head and pray. (Seriously!)
What are your thoughts/opinions on the role of government and religion? What do you think of this incident in Westmoreland, TN?
(http://www.theblaze.com/stories/high-school-coaches-in-trouble-for-bowing-their-heads-during-student-led-prayer-in-tenn/)
Several football coaches at a public high school in Westmoreland, Tenn., were reprimanded for bowing their heads during a student-led prayer before a game. These coaches were required to sign statements indicating they understood “the school’s policy, which prohibits staff from appearing to participate in a student prayer in any way, even if it takes place after hours.”
The coaches didn’t say a word; they simply bowed their heads alongside students. I suppose the non-offensive act would have been for them to stare blankly into space. Whether these coaches are Christians or religious at all is regardless, as it seems that freedom of religion ends when you reach the public sector (even though it is the public sector that guarantees a freedom of religion in the First Amendment of the Constitution…hmm). Let me remind you that the phrase “separation of church and state” does not exist in the United States Constitution. It first appeared in a letter from Thomas Jefferson to the Danbury Baptists of Pennsylvania 1802 when they expressed their concern over a false rumor regarding a national denomination. (http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/987191/posts)
I do not understand what is offensive about this. The First Amendment of the Constitution ensures, “Congress shall make no law respecting and establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." Are a couple of coaches who bow their heads in a student-led prayer forcing any other student to do the same? I really don’t think so.
Life is not perfect, and unless you lock yourself in an empty room eternally you are bound to become offended at one point or another. If you’re at a football game and a prayer is said, and you happen to not be a praying person—the answer, to me, seems simple: don’t pray! Or if you pray to a different God, take the opportunity to pray to that God!
In the words of Glenn Beck, “Political correctness doesn’t change us; it shuts us up.” All I can say is, if I were a student at this school, I would be BEGGING my parents to send me to a private or charter school. Now if you’ll please excuse me I am going to go bow my head and pray. (Seriously!)
What are your thoughts/opinions on the role of government and religion? What do you think of this incident in Westmoreland, TN?
(http://www.theblaze.com/stories/high-school-coaches-in-trouble-for-bowing-their-heads-during-student-led-prayer-in-tenn/)
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Thoughts on the Economy
Recently, Obama conjured up $1.5 trillion in new taxes for the richest Americans and the largest businesses. Supposedly this will help reduce national debt, an estimated $3 trillion over the next decade. (Right now the United States’ debt is over $14 trillion…I don’t see how $3 trillion in a decade will make a dent in it). He also called for the wealthiest Americans to “pay their fair share.” (http://content.usatoday.com/communities/theoval/post/2011/09/obama-unveils-3-trillion-plus-debt-cut-plan/1?csp=34news)
I’m not a millionaire, nor am I financially wealthy by any means. (And I say “financially” wealthy because I don’t often associate the word “rich” with money matters. I guess everyone’s definition of “rich” may vary—but I’ll just say that America’s definition of poor is vastly richer than “poor” in other countries around the world.) But it makes absolutely no sense to me to require those who earn money on their own merit to give their “fair share” of it back, simply because others aren’t at a certain level of wealth or corporate stature.
If I earn money, I think I know best where to spend that which I earn. And honestly, I will have no problem donating money to private charities and organizations of my choosing. But I have a problem with the government telling me where to put my money that somehow isn’t rightfully mine, even though I spent the time and labor to earn it.
I would like to ask our fearless leader, how is taxing the rich going to improve the economy? And how is taxing the rich going to create jobs? How is spending more money than our country takes in going to reduce our national debt?
Our economy is struggling to keep its head above water and is sinking fast. What do you think our economy needs at this point? More spending? Serious spending cuts? Higher taxes for the rich? More entitlement programs?
I’m not a millionaire, nor am I financially wealthy by any means. (And I say “financially” wealthy because I don’t often associate the word “rich” with money matters. I guess everyone’s definition of “rich” may vary—but I’ll just say that America’s definition of poor is vastly richer than “poor” in other countries around the world.) But it makes absolutely no sense to me to require those who earn money on their own merit to give their “fair share” of it back, simply because others aren’t at a certain level of wealth or corporate stature.
If I earn money, I think I know best where to spend that which I earn. And honestly, I will have no problem donating money to private charities and organizations of my choosing. But I have a problem with the government telling me where to put my money that somehow isn’t rightfully mine, even though I spent the time and labor to earn it.
I would like to ask our fearless leader, how is taxing the rich going to improve the economy? And how is taxing the rich going to create jobs? How is spending more money than our country takes in going to reduce our national debt?
Our economy is struggling to keep its head above water and is sinking fast. What do you think our economy needs at this point? More spending? Serious spending cuts? Higher taxes for the rich? More entitlement programs?
'12 Republican Candidates-Herman Cain
If you’ve been watching any debates lately, you’ve probably formed some opinions on the line-up of 2012 presidential hopefuls vying for the Oval Office. A few of them are seasoned politicians, some are just smooth talkers, others I wonder how they can even call themselves Republicans; but one candidate stands out in particular.
I am increasingly impressed with Herman Cain. In the past few debates I have watched, and in listening to him speak in interviews, he seems to be the “realest,” down-to-Earth candidate out there, compared to seasoned politicians like Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry (I know, “realest” isn’t a word). Oftentimes politicians want to come across as “one of the people”…I think Herman Cain doesn’t just come across that way, he is one of the American people. He is not a career politician, but a businessman. He turned around Godfather’s Pizza as CEO when the company was on the brink of going under, and has held other numerous positions of immense responsibility (www.hermancain.com/about). I think the Left-wingers will dwell on the fact that he has little political experience, but he obviously knows how to run a business. Our country is a business that depends on a working economy to function properly, and right now I think it’s safe to say our finances are seriously out of line.
Cain’s tax reform ideas are quite fascinating, also. He outlines this plan in detail at his website (http://www.hermancain.com/999plan). Watch this clip from the debate where he briefly explains his “999 Plan”:
Herman Cain won the Florida GOP Straw Poll with around 37% of the vote. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/24/herman-cainflorida-straw-poll-results-2011_n_979096.html) I really think he has what it takes to straighten out our economy. What say you about the 2012 presidential hopefuls? Comment below!!
I am increasingly impressed with Herman Cain. In the past few debates I have watched, and in listening to him speak in interviews, he seems to be the “realest,” down-to-Earth candidate out there, compared to seasoned politicians like Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry (I know, “realest” isn’t a word). Oftentimes politicians want to come across as “one of the people”…I think Herman Cain doesn’t just come across that way, he is one of the American people. He is not a career politician, but a businessman. He turned around Godfather’s Pizza as CEO when the company was on the brink of going under, and has held other numerous positions of immense responsibility (www.hermancain.com/about). I think the Left-wingers will dwell on the fact that he has little political experience, but he obviously knows how to run a business. Our country is a business that depends on a working economy to function properly, and right now I think it’s safe to say our finances are seriously out of line.
Cain’s tax reform ideas are quite fascinating, also. He outlines this plan in detail at his website (http://www.hermancain.com/999plan). Watch this clip from the debate where he briefly explains his “999 Plan”:
Herman Cain won the Florida GOP Straw Poll with around 37% of the vote. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/24/herman-cainflorida-straw-poll-results-2011_n_979096.html) I really think he has what it takes to straighten out our economy. What say you about the 2012 presidential hopefuls? Comment below!!
Why "Present Day Patriots"?
As you can see on the side bar of this page, the word "patriot" is defined as: "a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors."
We cannot deny that our nation currently faces dangerous challenges. A nation over $14 trillion in debt, involved in numerous foreign conflicts, with unsecure borders and lacking serious leadership requires a society that will strive to restore the founding principles of the United States of America while offering up proven solutions to new problems.
We, as Americans, have two choices. We can allow the problems of our country to overrun us; we can allow incompetent "leaders" sink our nation with their self-serving agendas. We can be apathetic about our nations problems and let someone else figure it out for us. We can be “sunshine patriots” and wave an American flag when it is necessary or convenient, and not respect what that flag stands for.
Or, we can rekindle that fire called responsibility that is barely flickering in our modern culture. We can take responsibility for our actions, not lay the blame on another person, or another group. We can think for ourselves and seek out the truth rather than believing everything we hear on Facebook, Twitter, or the evening news. We can judge our leaders based on the "content of their character" rather than their outward appearance or catchy campaign slogans. We can learn of the humble origins of our country, and preserve and protect the rights and principles to which our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. We can be “present-day patriots.”
A government by, for, and of the people requires a “people” that cares about their leadership, their country, and their Founding principles. So…will we be apathetic, ignorant, and herded like sheep by our leaders, the role of the “sunshine patriot”? Or will we become educated on our founding principles, seek the truth in all that we do, defend the Constitution, and be Present Day Patriots?
Whether we like it or not, we have the opportunity—and the obligation—to be Present Day Patriots. Our nation depends on us. I hope this blog is interesting and encouraging to similar Present Day Patriots like myself, and enlightening to those who may lean to the side of “sunshine patriot.”
After all, in the words of Thomas Paine…
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” –from The Crisis; December 23, 1776
We cannot deny that our nation currently faces dangerous challenges. A nation over $14 trillion in debt, involved in numerous foreign conflicts, with unsecure borders and lacking serious leadership requires a society that will strive to restore the founding principles of the United States of America while offering up proven solutions to new problems.
We, as Americans, have two choices. We can allow the problems of our country to overrun us; we can allow incompetent "leaders" sink our nation with their self-serving agendas. We can be apathetic about our nations problems and let someone else figure it out for us. We can be “sunshine patriots” and wave an American flag when it is necessary or convenient, and not respect what that flag stands for.
Or, we can rekindle that fire called responsibility that is barely flickering in our modern culture. We can take responsibility for our actions, not lay the blame on another person, or another group. We can think for ourselves and seek out the truth rather than believing everything we hear on Facebook, Twitter, or the evening news. We can judge our leaders based on the "content of their character" rather than their outward appearance or catchy campaign slogans. We can learn of the humble origins of our country, and preserve and protect the rights and principles to which our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. We can be “present-day patriots.”
A government by, for, and of the people requires a “people” that cares about their leadership, their country, and their Founding principles. So…will we be apathetic, ignorant, and herded like sheep by our leaders, the role of the “sunshine patriot”? Or will we become educated on our founding principles, seek the truth in all that we do, defend the Constitution, and be Present Day Patriots?
Whether we like it or not, we have the opportunity—and the obligation—to be Present Day Patriots. Our nation depends on us. I hope this blog is interesting and encouraging to similar Present Day Patriots like myself, and enlightening to those who may lean to the side of “sunshine patriot.”
After all, in the words of Thomas Paine…
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” –from The Crisis; December 23, 1776
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Renovations Coming Soon!
Readers! I haven't posted on my blog since May 31, 2011. But that is about to change. Thanks to a college class assignment, Present Day Patriots is about to undergo some serious renovations in format. So, let's hope this means I will be able to post more regularly despite a hectic college schedule.
...I just used "hope" and "change" in the same paragraph. I have definitely been absent from this blog for MUCH TOO LONG!
Watch for the new and improved Present Day Patriots coming soon!
...I just used "hope" and "change" in the same paragraph. I have definitely been absent from this blog for MUCH TOO LONG!
Watch for the new and improved Present Day Patriots coming soon!
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