In God We Trust

The American Family Association (AFA) commissioned Christian songwriter/singer Eric Horner to write a moving patriotic song to honor our national motto, "In God We Trust."

A very nice song with great lyrics. Enjoy.

Capitol Tour

Fascinating perspective on what the Founding Fathers believed and what the meaning behind their words as they framed the documents which formed the United States. I'll let David Barton do the rest of the talking.



A hat tip to B.T. for sending this my way.

Americanism

We just got back a little while ago from the first night of the Real Evangelism conference, being hosted again this year at FBC Indian Trail. These conferences are always excellent and this year Mike Huckabee was the keynote speaker.

If you're thinking "here comes a political rant"...wait. This is simply a collection of observations from Huckabee's speech, which will have a conservative Christian viewpoint, but will not be political. A semi random collection of thoughts from memory. Now decide to click "Jump" in your RSS reader or not.

Bailey Smith (of the conference name) provided the introduction for the Governor. One of the points he made was in providing several definitions of "Americanism" from the latest Webster's dictionary. It provided an appropriate segue for the main elements of Huckabee's speech.

Mike Huckabee spoke for almost an hour on Biblical values and morals in America, from the perspective of those values. To my recollection, he did not mention any sitting politicians by name, nor did he label any current directions in government.

What he did do is identify that our hope can not be in elected officials - and - our blame therefore cannot be either. Two points were identified that would collapse society: consolidate power into the hands of a few; release individuals of responsibilities and risk. Each individual was charged with the responsibility to live according to their beliefs.

There were a set of parallel structures in society he identified, which further illustrated personal responsibility, that went something like this:

- Parents equip their children to live independently
- Pastors equip their congregations to perform ministry
- Leaders should equip people to need less government, not more

There were many other historical points about America, parallels drawn from Judges 9 to current mindsets, the changeable nature of current society and many more topics. Overall an engaging, sometimes funny and overall excellent presentation.

So back to the original definition - Americanism: loyalty to the United States and its institutions. It was clear to all in attendance tonight that Mike Huckabee is most certainly a loyal American and an unashamed Christian.

Airline Security

President Obama held a press conference earlier this evening to assign responsibilities for security failures such as the failed Christmas Day airline bombing. His top counter terrorism aide John Brennan took the blame for that event and promises were made to more effectively link intelligence reports together. The President also acknowledged "the buck stops with me". All good measures for as far as they go and I sincerely hope they do move our nation into a better position to thwart terror plots that would attempt to rob us of our freedom. However, no specifics where given on elements of effective physical security.

What airport security measures are really effective? We've spent literally billions of dollars effectively only avoiding repeat incidents. Restricted container sizes, removing shoes and now staying seated in the last hour of flight are all examples. How effective are these things in really making us safer? How much of this is just "security theater", as Bruce Schneier might say, designed to make us only feel safer?

Without debating if absolute security is possible (I don't think it is), why not focus on something that worked? Have Jasper Schuringa, who subdued the terrorist during the detonation attempt, assist in updating the flight cards that are shown at the beginning of every flight. In addition to seat belt usage and exit locations, passengers could be instructed on what to do if someone intentionally sets fire to their crotch.

Personal responsibility. Even when it costs something personally. What a concept. Something that the 289 persons aboard Northwest Flight 253 certainly can appreciate. Possibly something Washington should consider as effective - in many areas.

A BBQ Tradition

A sense of tradition connects people and generations. Good food always brings people together. Combine the two and it makes for a good time.

Unionville elementary school held its 60th annual BBQ yesterday. They've been running this BBQ annually since 1949. The BBQ was good and the proceeds went to benefit the children.

It was a beautiful day for a noon drive into the country. Working farms, livestock, country ponds - it all couldn't have been more scenic. A reminder of many of the things that make America great, including hard work and a sense of community.

Its great living in a small town, and even better to get out into the real country every now and then. This event is over, but keep looking - its BBQ season - there'll be more!

Worldview Matters

The Washington Post has an article Three Minutes to Fort Totten which describes the actions of four individuals who were on the Metro train 112, car 1079 which crashed last month.

On the surface it is a great human interest story. It portrays four people who gave of themselves and helped others while overcoming fear and obstacles in the midst of a tragedy. Its the kind of thing that you don't see much of, but when you do, its inspiring.

I find it interesting that two of the persons who stayed behind to help were US military personnel, one was directly identified as a Christian. I don't think that was a random correlation. As BreakPoint points out when referring to this same incident, the military is one of the last places in America where men and women are taught to put others first. As also should Christians.

Worldview matters. Thankfully few of us are called to live out our beliefs in the middle of a crisis. So what's our excuse in everyday life?

Hyphenated-American

The nomination of Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court is going to draw out all sorts of opinions.  Those on judicial activism vs strict constructionism are to be expected.  The focus on her race as part of her selection, even her suitability for the Supreme Court, are not.  That focus reflects poorly on many attitudes in America and how our leaders are chosen. 

Many persons, particularly in public service, seem to prefer a hyphenated label to identify themselves.  The labels typically indicate a country of origin for one's ancestors and in practical use become an implied racial designation.  Does it bother anyone that these labels always precede the term American, almost taking on primary importance?  I'm reminded of the following quote by one of our former presidents:

"There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all... The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities, an intricate knot of German-Americans, Irish-Americans, English-Americans, French-Americans, Scandinavian-Americans or Italian-Americans, each preserving its separate nationality, each at heart feeling more sympathy with Europeans of that nationality, than with the other citizens of the American Republic... There is no such thing as a hyphenated American who is a good American. The only man who is a good American is the man who is an American and nothing else."

Teddy Roosevelt, Addressing the Knights of Columbus in New York City,  October 12, 1915

A good friend of mine recently became an American citizen after being legally in America for the required length of time, passing all the required exams and background checks.  He is highly educated, having multiple masters degrees and an earned doctorate in statistics.  With those credentials and speaking (I believe) five languages he could live and be successful in any part of the world he desired.  He chose to come to America and has become very succesful professionally and personally here.  The pride he now exhibits in being an American citizen exceeds that I've seen in some new parents!  There is no hyphenation for him.  He is an American now and nothing else.

Judge Sotomayor herself will effectively be on trial for some number of weeks to come.  The views and prejudices of America, from both sides of the political fence, likely will be too.