Thomas Jefferson

“Educate and inform the whole mass of the people… They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty.”

This quote bothers me. Because I have this nagging conviction to educate and inform my fellow Americans of the near tyranny that is going on in this country.

It’s not that I’m smarter than anyone or more well informed. But I believe regular folks like myself need to  have a way to understand what is going on. Plain language with a basis of common sense can go a long way to explain what is happening to our republic.

Fact is, I may not get it right all the time. Probably won’t. But we can sure work together to find a way to reclaim our liberty.

Now I realize Jefferson said, “What signify a few lives lost in a Century or Two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure.”  So get this straight: I am not an advocate of violence to set our country on the right path. While Jefferson is truly an American hero, and in his time did what was necessary for his time, I don’t believe we should take up arms as the means of rebellion and hostility.

However, I do believe we have an obligation to take up our cause with rebellion – rebellion to the massive government intrusion that affects every one of us. Rebellion fought in the arena of ideas, persuasion, and most importantly, at the ballot box.

The government has taken on a life of its own, no longer representing us, but rather assuming the self-appointed role of caretaker. This, in the name of social justice, which is no more than a way to punish the productive and innovative in order to offer handouts and false guarantees to a growing entitlement-hungry sect.

We should have every bit as much hostility as our forefathers who were willing to risk their lives and their fortunes for the freedom we now enjoy. Hostility that is expressed in letters to our president, senators, and representatives. Hostility that is expressed with respect and a willingness to work to make the changes that are absolutely necessary. Violence will not win this battle, but a firm assertive voice, expressed by we the people, will get the attention of those who are supposed to be representing us. Our choice at the polls will create a roar that can’t be ignored.  (How about the result of the last election!)

So, there’s the big picture and the beginning of a heartfelt rant – brought about by our most radical president, Thomas Jefferson. Funny thing, I’m not a radical. And you probably aren’t either. We hold what is true to the American spirit; determination, hard work, guts, and a reliance on almighty God to guide us where He would have us. On second thought, in the current political and social climate, maybe that is radical. If it is, so be it.

Sure hope you will join me.