Freedoms are under attack; it is time to fight back

“...that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” – Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 19, 1863.

These words were spoken almost exactly 146 years ago on the site of a great battle, remembering the sacrifice of thousands that this nation might survive. It seems fitting to repeat them here as we honor and mourn the fallen from Iraq and Afghanistan, and to point out the hypocrisy of President Obama’s dawn visit to Dover Air Force Base as 18 of the dead were returned to America soil.

This administration and Congress have done more to destroy this country than a great depression and two world wars could accomplish in 70 years. They have taken a substantial interest in two major manufacturing conglomerates and most of the major banks. They have embarked upon a policy of dictating terms of compensation to privately owned firms. With massive spending of funds we do not possess, they have brought us to the brink of bankruptcy. With passage of a public health-care legislation they will be in control of 20 percent of our national economy. With the passage of a “cap and trade” bill they will complete the process.

This country was founded upon five basic tenets: freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of the press, the right to bear arms and the right to peaceful assembly. Each is under attack, not only from outside groups but even by those within our government.

We have a president who, while professing to be a Christian, attends no church and ignores the Christian National Day of Prayer, while inviting the Muslim community into the White House to observe the start of Ramadan, an Islamic holy period. At the same time, display of Christian religious symbols or even the word “God” on our currency, in our pledge of allegiance and in our national cemeteries are under constant attack. (Note the use of the phrase “under god” in the introductory paragraph.)

While the recent gatherings of the “Tea Parties” were not stifled, the message has been largely ignored by the elected officials, highlighting the degree to which they have become out of touch with the electorate.

As they become more interested in feeding their own egos, following their own agenda in opposition to the wishes of their constituents, and even, in some cases, lining their own pockets while feeding at the public trough, they move further from our democratic principles and more toward an oligarchy.

In November 2010 we can begin the process of “taking our country back.” We can vote out the more liberal element and any others who don’t listen. Party affiliation is not the test. Any senator or representative who wishes to force their own vision upon us must go. The ballot box is a powerful instrument.