Tagged: history
This Calls for Impeachment!
Why is everyone in an uproar about Benghazi?
Here is the answer in a nutshell: four Americans were murdered, it was a terrorist attack, everyone knew it, and they covered it up as a spontaneous protest. They did not respond to the call for help for more security to keep it from happening. It was two months before Obama’s second term election, no time for truth when you want the American people to think terrorism has been dealt with. We now have enough whistle-blowers to know the truth.
There have been threats against various people in the FBI in an effort to keep their mouths shut, and now Gregory Hicks, Deputy Chief of Mission for the U.S. in Libya, is giving us the truth. If we all remember the Nixon cover up of Watergate, and his following impeachment, this sounds similar. It wasn’t so much Nixon’s involvement as it was the cover up that got him impeached.
Though I realize this wasn’t entirely intentional neglect, more like terrible judgement, the continuing cover up and lies from the Obama administration is sad. It’s the same as a child getting “caught” and continuing to talk and lie to convince themselves and others of their innocence. Here is Jay Carney giving us a great example of that. Hilary Clinton and Susan Rice were accusing some stupid YouTube video for being responsible for the murders of these Americans when the real terrorist suspects were running around free. Our country deserves and demands better than that!
Some people in this administration, including the head of it, need to lose their jobs and feel the consequences of not defending the very people they are paid to keep safe and then covering their failure.
If we are a “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” we need to hold our politicians accountable for their actions, or lack thereof, while in office. This is not a “further your career game” but a serious job of protecting innocent lives.
By Jane Pinkerton
More Information:
The Truth About Leprechauns
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! (And Happy Birthday to my mom! Love you!)
Currently, I work for a Learning Center. I was walking around the large play structure during their recess time when a kindergarten girl ran up to me and started gushing about leprechauns. I listened, I always get a little uncomfortable inside when I come around these kinds of holidays. (You know, Easter Bunny, Santa Clause, demons and stuff around Halloween, etc). This is because I am uncomfortable lying! I just am. Around the time I was sixteen I had a good conversation with God about not being a liar and so I’ve tried so very hard to not lie to people. (Even when those little lies slip out, I go back to the person and apologize!)
When the little girl asked, “Miss Jessica! How long do leprechauns live?”
I almost blurted a random answer, but I hesitated and guilt hit me. Why? Because I really wanted to be honest with her and say, “Darling, leprechauns don’t exist.” But that was not my authority. Her parents might get mad, my bosses would get mad and her teacher’s work of convincing her that leprechauns existed all that day would have been ruined. So I mumbled, “Um, I don’t know. Are you playing tag with those girls?” She ran off.
In my very sincere and humble mind I ask, “What is the benefit of lying to kids when it comes to holidays?”
Do you remember when you found out Santa wasn’t real? (Sorry if you still do. I totally just ruined it…) I remember! I was around the kindergarten age. At first I was shocked. Then mad. Finally, I was disappointed. After that I felt pride in knowing a secret my younger siblings didn’t know and I got to stay up every Christmas and wrap the presents and set out Santa’s presents with my parents. It was a tradition that I got to have as the oldest sibling.
When I got saved at fifteen, Christmas changed completely for me. What?! Why didn’t anyone tell me the awesomeness of what Christmas was really and originally about? It’s a huge worldwide birthday party for baby Jesus? Sign me up for that fun!
I suppose all I can really do to spread the news that leprechauns aren’t real, is write out my heart and questions about it in a blog about worldviews. Then, I can dream about my own kids and how I’ll tell them what Christmas is all about: Jesus. Or that Easter isn’t just about a silly bunny rabbit bringing plastic eggs with chocolate in them, it is also about Jesus.
Someday I’ll get to sit them down and explain that St. Patrick was an amazing man who lived an incredible life! I will tell them how St. Patrick was brave when he was enslaved, escaped and then had such a deep burden to help those who enslaved him that he went back to help them! Who did St. Patrick live his life for? That’s right: Jesus.
Click the link to read about St. Patrick and who he really was: HERE
And that’s the truth about leprechauns.
Question: What is the value of lying to kids about holidays?
By JJ Day
Sojournor Truth “Ain’t I a Woman?”
When I read this, it gives me the chills for some reason…
“Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that ‘twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what’s all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain’t I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain’t I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man — when I could get it — and bear the lash as well! And ain’t I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother’s grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain’t I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what’s this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That’s it, honey. What’s that got to do with women’s rights or negroes’ rights? If my cup won’t hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn’t you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can’t have as much rights as men, ’cause Christ wasn’t a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them. Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain’t got nothing more to say.”
- Delivered 1851 Women’s Convention, Akron, Ohio
“Ain’t I woman?” Mind you, I am a very white girl who has experienced nothing compare to the pain of this amazing woman.
Yet, this challenges me to dream, to face the harsh tides of those who disagree with me, and to work harder to change the world. The amazing thing is that she went through the work of small things — plowing, starving, and working. She did all of the quiet little things and then she had something to say. Ms. Truth gave up her children and because she sacrificed (even if it was forced sacrifice) she had a message.
What in the world am I doing?
What in the world are you doing?
I am writing in honor of Black History month, because the message of people who have suffered is a powerful message. What they did in their generation was incredible. But what could we do in our generation? Could we overturn Roe vs. Wade? Could we inspire married people to stay married? Could we give meaning and purpose to children and teenagers? Could we raise up our voices in prayer and beg God to help us and our economy?
I’ll put my hand to the plow- will you join me?
By JJ Day
(Photo Credit)
Turning Back the Cultural Clock.
Morality, based in faith is the only road out of the mess we are in with our economy, death culture, promiscuity, and crime. Faith in Christ is, and can be the only map with which to navigate this dark sea.
If you are up for having your public-schooled brain bent, you are in the right place. Otherwise, roll your eyes now and groan, “Reductionism,” or “Christian Revisionism,” and continue on with your hopeless delusion that fallible entities (namely government) will meet your needs, make you happy, and miraculously save us from the mess that they (arguably) got us into. For the rest of you who actually have an “open mind,” please read on. If there is any desire within you to entertain ideas that you were not taught in school, please enlist it now.
I just watched the documentary, “Monumental.” These were my take-aways:
First, it’s not Washington DC’s job to solve our country’s problems. It’s our job and it starts in our own hearts and then in our homes.
Second, primary (original) texts must be read if we are to understand history. Ask yourself how many primary texts you have read in your publicly educated years, just as a fun experiment. An example of a primary text is something that Jefferson actually wrote instead of a history textbook with some scholar’s interpretation of what Jefferson wrote. When we look at primary texts we find overwhelming evidence that the Pilgrims (Puritans) were devout Christians looking for a safe place to be free from tyranny (England’s King James) that prohibited the free expression of their religion. If your sum total of knowledge about the Puritans comes from reading The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible, you will not know this and you will have a hard time even fathoming the sentence before this one.
Broaden yourself. Nathaniel Hawthorne and Arthur Miller weren’t eyewitnesses to this time period. William Bradford was. So read his journals and be forever free from cringing when someone mentions the time period in which the Puritans lived.
Third, it’s not “Christian” to sit back and claim that “Jesus wins in the end, so who cares what the Democrats and Republicans do?” There is nothing intrinsically spiritual about pacifism where our religious freedom is concerned. And if we choose pacifism, it will not end “pacifistically.” If Christians sit idly by while our religious freedoms are removed, either slowly or swiftly, we will find our fate the same as martyrs of history. The act of being martyred isn’t peaceful in general; martyrdom has traditionally been extremely violent. I’d rather just show up to vote when it’s time to do so, thank you very much.
This is a rebuke to humanists who HAVE revised history over the years. Shame on you. Don’t even try and tell me that I am ignoring evidence or that I don’t care about science. You don’t have a corner on history and at the very least you are doing the same thing that you accuse me of doing. (Ignoring evidence, revising to fit your whims, trying to further your agenda, etc.) Christians do not (DO NOT!) want their pastor or Billy Graham to be the POTUS and legislate morality via the Constitution.
Seriously? Get over it! We want to be free to practice our faith, which is, by the way, a Constitutional concept. And we crave for others to experience the freedom we have found in Christ. That cannot be legislated and Christians don’t want it to be.
This is a call to dear Christians to wake up, please make yourself care about politics by educating yourself. If you sincerely hate politics, but you want to do your part and be involved where you can, contact me and I will talk you into caring, and give you some first steps which will likely include some reading; please don’t scoff at it. We must read in order to be informed. :)
Liberty depends on Faith first, then Morality, Law, and Education. And not the type of education we find in government schools, but rather the type that is done in the home from one generation to another. From one soul to another.
Check out this monument that was built in honor of the Pilgrims and their worldview. It is the National Monument to the Forefathers in Plymouth. Faith is at the top with Morality, Law, Education, and finally Liberty surrounding her. Within each of those are the likes of Prophet, Evangelist, Wisdom, Youth, Mercy, Justice, and many more. These were the values that America was founded on. These are the values that can guide and light our path even now.
Some say we will never return to morality. We can never go back, only forward. I say we must return.
“People say you can’t turn the clock back. Culturally, you can. The Reformation and the Renaissance were both movements that ‘went back.’ And they actually went forward by ‘going back.’” – Os Guinness
Don’t tell me it’s not possible.
Social Security for Who?
How did our generation get stuck with such a raw deal when it comes to Social Security? I’m not bemoaning the fact that my mother and grandmother get it; I’m sick of the way government handles our money! There wasn’t a whole lot of foresight in the creation of SS.
![obamas-debt-battaile-politics-1350946745[1]](http://thecivicarena.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/obamas-debt-battaile-politics-13509467451.jpg)
Is it really wise to let our government take our hard earned money and put it into a fund for the use of generations ahead of us to retire, masked as a ‘due’ for our own retirement, no less?! Did anyone ever think that maybe the birth rate would decline immensely? Did anyone think that maybe people would live longer and longer? How about a bad economy and high unemployment on top of that? Let’s think that through.
The Social Security taxes you now pay go into the Social Security Trust Funds and are used to pay benefits to current beneficiaries. The Social Security Board of Trustees now estimates that based on current law… In 2017 (it) will begin paying more benefits than it collects in taxes and… in 2041, the Trust Funds will be depleted. Because people are living longer and the birth rate is low, the ratio of workers to beneficiaries is falling. Therefore, the taxes that are paid by workers will not be enough to pay the full benefit amounts scheduled. So, according to the SS Administration, our generation will pay the tax but won’t be able to collect on it when we retire.
Of course, I have heard the argument that this is a simple math problem to be fixed with increasing taxes. When does that line of thinking ever stop?! And how much do you have to raise the taxes to compensate for all of the changes I just mentioned? Let’s learn from history and our mistakes. Quit having the government take things over that are too important to mess with. Do we really want to give the US Government the opportunity to make us relive the Social Security mess with our healthcare?
Will our children be asking us, “Why did you get us into such a healthcare mess we can’t afford, when you knew how Social Security failed?”
Thomas Jefferson Misquoted on Pinterest? Yes, indeed.
I typed, “Founding Father Quotes” into the Pinterest space bar and started to scroll down.
I just like the Founding Fathers; I like what they had to say and they inspire me to rise up and change the world when I read them. You can see into a person’s character by what they said. (Especially if you have letter after letter.)
Then I found this picture:
For some reason I had the strongest feeling he didn’t say that. I felt like I’d read enough about him to almost know him. Like, if you heard from someone that your best friend said something shocking, but you realize you know your best friend would never say that. What do you do? You you go search out if your best friend actually said that!
I googled the quote and found this link and the actual quote:
“Those who live by mystery & charlatanerie, fearing you would render them useless by simplifying the Christian philosophy, — the most sublime & benevolent, but most perverted system that ever shone on man, — endeavored to crush your well-earnt & well-deserved fame.”- Thomas Jefferson to Joseph Priestley, Washington, March 21, 1801
Oh!? So that isn’t exactly what he said? Okay Pinterest, so far you’re wrong. But, I still wasn’t satisfied, because I wanted to know exactly what he meant. (Because taking this quote out of context still sounded kind of negative on Jefferson’s part.)
So I google serached for the entire letter from Thomas Jefferson to Dr. Joseph Priestly and found this link. It took me a good 20 minutes, but after consulting my personal smart person (my roommate Jennifer) and googling a couple words I was finally able to understand what they were saying!
Here is the actual quote by Thomas Jefferson again:
“Those who live by mystery & charlatanerie, fearing you would render them useless by simplifying the Christian philosophy, — the most sublime & benevolent, but most perverted system that ever shone on man, — endeavored to crush your well-earnt & well-deserved fame.”
The Summary:
Jefferson was writing to his good friend about being upset about other people. These “other people” were narrow-minded, and could be thought of as almost Pharisee-like. Jefferson was all about government withholding it’s powerful hand from meddling in religious affairs.
His actual quote was something like this:
“Those Pharisee-like leaders (or fake Christians) with no brains, being afraid of your (Dr. Joseph Priestly) ideas, feeling like they’d be out of a job if we made Christianity basic (or more like real Christianity.) Christianity is so wonderful and good, but the system itself (or all the fasle works) — is trying to crush all your good ideas (that still support basic Christianity) that you’ve earned.”
Jefferson was SO about religious freedom, intelligence and being able to be a free thinker AND a Christian. I think he and I would have been good friends (if he would have even talked to me— because he so cool and I am not!) I am glad the Thomas Jefferson that I know and love is still the Thomas Jefferson I know and love. It was so fun to go on this little scavenger hunt and solve a mystery!
Was Jesus a Socialist or a Capitalist? #3: Diligence, Charity & Poverty
By David Moberly
Whenever I hear the argument, “higher taxes = doing your part” or “civic duty,” I involuntarily cringe a little. Let’s be honest — is involuntary confiscation of my income really any different than stealing? Even if others benefit from what has been taken by you; generosity — by definition — must be voluntary. If a starving man breaks into my house to steal food for his family, the meal he receives from me was NOT given voluntarily. Even if I’m happy to help the man, I cannot confuse that scenario with sacrificial giving. Here’s what Solomon (reputed to be the wisest man in Biblical Literature) had to say about wealth, hard work, giving, and laziness:
Proverbs 12:24 - The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor.
Proverbs 13:4 - The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich.
Proverbs 21:5 - The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Proverbs 10:4 - He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
Proverbs 14:21 - He who despises his neighbor sins; But he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he.
Proverbs 14:31 - He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, But he who honors Him has mercy on the needy.
Proverbs 17:5 - He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 19:17 - He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
Proverbs 21:13 - Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
It seems that people who advocate pillaging the income of the upper class for governmental support or redistribution are all too willing to spend the hard earned incomes of other people with very little evidence of generosity shown on their own part. They then tout their own goodness and generosity due to their political ideology, but this boasting is erroneous. The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver (2Cor 9:7), and any gift given begrudgingly is not all that interesting to Him. I don’t think that means we should only give when we have warm fuzzies about it but generally, giving should be done with a habit of cheerfulness and generosity. Where is the generosity in excessive government taxation? How many smile at the thought of their paycheck being reduced by 30 – 50 % to fund overly-bureaucratic programs that may not even line up with the values of the owner of that plundered paycheck?
I would argue that Jesus didn’t advocate for the diligent people living on about half of their income because of government intrusion into the name of fairness. I would also argue that He would recommend not getting bent out of shape about money in general. Because He was “The Word Made Flesh” (John1), and came not to abolish the Law but to fulfill it, I believe His teachings would echo the sentiment of the Old Testament Law, Prophets and Psalms. I believe He would advocate working hard and not demanding the income of others to supplement your own lack. I believe He would advocate doing good to as many as you can. Neither of these are socialistic concepts — rather they spring from a heart that leans towards doing good for the poor and for carrying your own share of the weight. While He didn’t promote a lifestyle of living to build riches (He argued the opposite actually), He did promote the idea that, “To him who has, more will be given.” He advocated reward for labor, not reward for the labor of somebody else. Salvation is a free gift, so exact comparisons between spiritual things and earthly things is difficult, but I believe that we can sort out by His teaching, and the teaching of Scripture as a whole that man has a responsibility to work, earn and give to the best of his own ability — free from mandate and separate from legislation or forced “charity.”
David is former of student of Boise State University where he holds an Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Economics. He is a recent graduate of Harvest International Training Center, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Theological Studies and works as a Mortgage Lender for First Mortgage Company of Idaho. David is an Idaho born, lifelong resident currently living in Boise, ID. In February of 2013 he will be moving to Meridian with his new wife, Katey. He is passionate about how politics, spiritual truths and historical philosophy all play a key role in determining, “Que Veritas,” or “What is Truth.”
Was Jesus a Socialist or a Capitalist? #2: Stewardship
By David Moberly
Last week we discussed the implications of wealth and sharing, but really only determined that God must not be necessarily against Socialistic or Capitalistic monetary policy. This purpose of this second post is to show that Christ endorsed risk and reward, and rejected the notion of equal results for all. We will address the issue of Stewardship this week, in light of the whole Bible, but mostly the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
In the Gospels, we have two different parables involving a wealthy land owner and his stewards. In the Matthew 25 version of the story, the Nobleman left talents to three of his hired stewards in the amount of five, two and one talent respectively (note the lack of equality.) After leaving for an extended time, he returned to find that the stewards had traded and secured a return on his investment in the amount of five, two and zero talents. He praised the shrewdness and diligence of the first two, but condemned the cowardly laziness of the third steward who was unable to increase the talent in even a very small amount. Jesus demanded his talent be given to the steward who had ten.
In the Luke 19 version of the story, the nobleman had left with his stewards an equal amount of one mina apiece to do business until his return. Upon his delayed return, the first steward delivered back to the master a total of ten minas, to which the master praised the steward and made him lord over ten cities. A second steward delivered to the master feive minas in exchange for the one he had been given. Again, this steward was praised and given rule over five cities, and enjoyed the favor of his master. Lastly, a cowardly and lazy steward delivered to the master a single mina, having earned nothing from it while the master was away. The master judged this steward with incredible severity and delivered the single mina to the steward with ten minas already.
The point of these two stories is to show that there are some endowments of natural or monetary gifting where there is complete inequality, and some that all humanity shares equal rights to. If Jesus was a socialist by nature, he would have divided the increase among the three stewards and in the name of fairness because the lazy steward had been hindered by society, poor fortune, etc. As it is, we see Christ endorsing the role of risk and reward, labor and creativity in His stewards. While these parables do not prove conclusively that Christ was an endorser of purely capitalistic increase, it does prove conclusively that he did not endorse socialism. Many verses in the Bible condemn the love of money, and many condemn those with no ability to handle money rightly. To properly balance the socioeconomic views of Christ, we must dissect all that the Bible has to say on money. That would be the longest blog ever, but suffice it to say:
- Christ did not condemn having riches, only loving them.
- Christ did not condemn being poor, only unwilling to labor.
- Other Bible writers were equally adamant about the believer’s responsible to work and share.
Paul says in 2Thessalonians 3:10, “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. (NKJV)” He also tells us in 1Timothy 5:8, “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (NKJV)” So we cannot assume that we are doing anyone an act of service if we undermine their desire to work hard and supply sustenance for their own family. The entire Bible is full of promises to the diligent and honest, with the rewards being much increase and savings.
Here is the safe conclusion as I read these parables along with the entire counsel of Scripture (more of which we’ll get into next week). All of us are accountable to God for laboring and providing for ourselves, while keeping our hearts free from greed. We should see opportunities to give as an honor, not a burden; for if God’s love truly abides in our heart, we will be happy to help those in true need. The danger of Socialism is that it promotes the exact opposite. It seeks to eliminate the consequences to the lazy or cowardly, and encourages shirking excellence and hard work. It encourages a reliance for existence upon somebody else, and discourages generosity due to the already over-abundance of government handout programs and excessive taxation.
To oppose Socialism is not to disdain the poor, rather to encourage them to stand on their own two feet (real love). This is NOT an excuse to be greedy or hardened towards the disenfranchised, but to love the opportunity to work to multiply the “talents and minas” that God has graciously given to each one of us. We’re to love earning, saving and giving. These are principles NOT found in Socialism!
David is former of student of Boise State University where he holds an Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Economics. He is a recent graduate of Harvest International Training Center, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Theological Studies and works as a Mortgage Lender for First Mortgage Company of Idaho. David is an Idaho born, lifelong resident currently living in Boise, ID. In February of 2013 he will be moving to Meridian with his new wife, Katey. He is passionate about how politics, spiritual truths and historical philosophy all play a key role in determining, “Que Veritas,” or “What is Truth.”
The Death of Democracies.
By David Moberly
How do inanimate ideas die?
When their relevance has been proven invalid? Or when those who would maintain an idea cease to defend it? This is the case for noble ideas; time or apathy are all that can contain them. Lies cannot, for lies have no substance of their own. Fallacies cannot, for anybody truly interested in truth will navigate through fallacy. Only when an idea is false, or when the people who defend an idea grow fallacious can truly noble ideas die.
Is it impossible for men to be self-governed? Even as I declare “No!” with my words, I’m reminded that society remains civil only when an authority enforces that civility. Be it totalitarianism, majority rule or most likely, the fear or love of the greatest authority — God. How can democracy exist without God? I contend that it cannot for two reasons:
- The first reason is history and experience. The only long term successful attempt at self-governance has been the United States, and we are privy to watching it’s demise before our very eyes. As godlessness and immorality abound, factions so deep as to be irreparable are emerging and I imagine the end result will be revolution or tyranny. Hopefully I am wrong!
- The second reason is that we see no evidence of God’s pleasure in people ruling themselves. The greatest accusation of the moral landslide of God’s people occurring in the period of Theocracy is “Every man did what was right in his own eyes.” While things were scarcely improved under most kings, the deciding factor of governmental success was in the spiritual state of the king and the people’s obedience to God. This reason is old fashioned to some, but historical nonetheless. Until modern history convinces me of my error, I stand by the second reason as the greater and more weighty of the two reasons.
What conclusion do we reach in light of such reason? That it is left to each man to either trust in the Lord or to trust in government. While I find great comfort in relying on government, I’m reminded that there is great comfort in standing on a rug when the alternative is cold tile or stone. However, that is also the only place in which our footing can be ripped from underneath us. Often the safest place is not the most comfortable, and I fear that is the climate of today’s political landscape. Many are concerned with comfort, but it is a time to embrace everything that is NOT comfortable. Our godless methods have failed, and without a return to morality, revolution or tyranny seem the only inevitable conclusions.
David is former of student of Boise State University where he holds an Associate of Arts with an emphasis in Economics. He is a recent graduate of Harvest International Training Center, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies. He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Theological Studies and works as a Mortgage Lender for First Mortgage Company of Idaho. David is an Idaho born, lifelong resident currently living in Boise, ID. In February of 2013 he will be moving to Meridian with his new wife, Katey. He is passionate about how politics, spiritual truths and historical philosophy all play a key role in determining, “Que Veritas,” or “What is Truth.”
Urgent Rallying Call.
This post is for those of us who don’t have law degrees, don’t have a political science background, and just love our country and want what is best.
I once saw a movie about John and Abigail Adams where John is basically telling Abigail that she doesn’t understand the complexities of politics. I can’t find the exact quote, but she basically says, “Politics, John? I live politics. When I go to the cupboard and I find no flour, no tea, no sugar, do I not live politics?” I don’t know if she really said it, but knowing a little about her from her letters to John, she very well could have! My point here is this: We all live politics whether or not we like it. The economy affects us. Laws affect us. It all affects us and yet we can at times get so frustrated by the corruption of government, and by what we see as an ineffective process that when something comes up that desperately needs our attention as citizens, we can roll our eyes and say, “Meh.”
This is one of those times.
Please don’t go “meh.”
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is not a treaty that will especially help or support persons with disabilities and their families, despite it’s fancy name. In fact, it will take away rights from parents of children with disabilities and give these rights to government entities. The cons definitely outweight the pros. Child abuse is a very real issue that needs attention and CRPD feigns to protect people with disabilities from abuse and discrimination. But if we think that a treaty with a foreign body (full of countries who don’t have a handle on child abuse themselves) can solve these problems, we are very foolish. I am not discounting efforts to curb child abuse and discrimination and abuse of disabled people. I am just saying THIS is not the way to do it. Read about it here.
It is worth quickly educating yourself. Yes, what I have linked is clearly an anti-CRPD website, shamelessly biased. CRPD is not US legislation, put in place by US Congressfolk and US Citizens. The UN should not have this kind of a hand in US domestic affairs. If we want this type of legislation in the US, let’s do it the right way through OUR process. It’s also noteworthy to say that there are loopholes that allow for UN treaties such as CRPD to override the US Constitution despite claims by supporters of the treaty that this is not possible.
CRPD is slated to go to the Senate Floor for a vote on Tuesday.
This is most assuredly the nasty side of politics that we don’t love. Both sides are trying desperately to procure votes from across the aisle. I’d rather not know the methods they are implementing to accomplish this. A few Republicans have sided with Dems to vote for the treaty. Don’t assume because your senator is a Republican they are fine and don’t need to hear from you. Thank them for standing against the pressure to vote in favor of this treaty and tell them that you appreciate them representing you rightly. Otherwise put pressure on them to vote for their constituents and not for their own political career. Please do this as soon as possible.
Realize as well, that the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) will be right on CRPD’s heels if CRPD is passed. So if you don’t have a child or loved one with a disability and you think this doesn’t apply to you, I ask you to support opposition to CRPD in your own interest if anything else. Your rights as a parent are next on the chopping block, thanks to CRC. And if you don’t have children yet, imagine raising them in a world where the government has a huge say in your parenting. If CRC is passed, this will be your reality. If you have grown children, please, I ask you personally, to speak up for those of us who are trying to raise godly children in a society that is very hostile to Christianity. I know it wasn’t easy when you were raising kids, but the world has gotten even darker and parenting in this culture is often a minefield. We welcome your support and encouragement.
Here is a list of Senators for each state. If you don’t have time to call, I suggest selecting “contact me” on their websites and sending them a short email. I do this with my senators frequently, it takes only a few minutes.
If this is all we can do right now to support the rights of parents to rear their children the way the parents see fit, let’s make the small sacrifice and do it. It will take less time than it takes to read your Facebook Newsfeed or check your Twitter account.
Or read this blog post.
For further reading:
Here is an article about Joni Eareckson Tada’s statement of opposition to CRPD.
Here is the actual text of the UN CRPD Treaty.
