“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.

“Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Regardless, I take today very seriously.

While I resist the temptation to go on a diatribe about how our liberty is being eroded and how the current political machinations are undermining the very foundations of our freedom and those who fought for it, I must make reference to it because it so disrespects those who gave so much.  More on that later.

Today is a time to honor those whose lives are lost and/or forever changed. We ask so much from our fellow citizens in uniform. We ask them to die for us. That alone is big beyond words. But have you ever considered that we have asked them to kill for us? To endure horror so extreme as war has no comparison.

I never served in the armed service. I turned 18 just after the draft was ended in the 70’s. Nevertheless, I honor those who have made such sacrifice for my freedom.

None of us should take that service lightly.

The current climate, domestic as well as international,  makes out the U.S. and our lifestyle to somehow be villainous. Sure, there are extremes but the individual freedoms we enjoy have produced an environment that blesses not only us, but the whole world. The creation of wealth is not a  bad thing. The American Dream is what attracted people from all over the world here in the first place. Now, as the American way is denigrated here and abroad, the foundations of our freedom are forgotten. And as the liberty erodes, the ability to reach out to help others disappears. Especially when more and more people become dependent on the productive to support those who are taught to expect through the attitude of entitlement.

The great poo-pooing of America is a grave insult to those who have fought for the people of the United States. See, they fought not only for us but the whole world. Yes, the whole world is better for having had the U.S. as a part of the community of man.

“Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty”

John F. Kennedy

Liberty, the freedom to strive and accomplish, is what drives the betterment of society. Recognizing this is given by our creator is what the true spirit of America is all about. The brave souls who fought and died for our way of life did not die in vain.  They carried out the pledge: to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.

Today, remember those who sacrificed for what you now enjoy. Call a veteran, pray for those who serve as well as their families, take some kind of action – for their sake.
Our liberty depends on it.

Energy and persistence conquer all things.

Ben Franklin

It’s gonna be fun.

Catch Jonathan and me on Blog Talk Radio if you want to hear more about this internet marketing stuff. Every Saturday at 10:30 Eastern.
Beginner Internet Business

I just wanted to take the time to introduce you to my friend, Brandt Jones. Here’s a picture of him with his son. I needed to get more details about these pics but I forgot. Next time I see him I’ll get more info and edit this post.

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Here’s Brandt at the 52 nd Annual Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, July 13, 2007, in Linville, NC. PHOTOS BY: PATRICK SCHNEIDER PHOTOGRAPHY

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This is a great photo. You would never guess this guy has such a gentle spirit. Isn’t it funny how you just connect with some people? I see Brandt about once, maybe twice a month and from those visits of maybe 15 or 20 minutes we have become friends.

So, are you still making new friends? I hope so. If you aren’t, you’re missing out on the stuff of life.