In a previous blog, I addressed the agenda of forcing America to transition to Green Energy and suggested that the motivation was not simply adherence to the Religion of Climate Change but Control.  I am sure some disagree but that is what I see and although I did not have the time or space to fully address my reasons for my belief, I hope I provided enough for you to engage in your own examination of the matter.

Now, I want to address the incessant and often illogical, but assuredly diabolical agenda to strip us of our Second Amendment Rights and relegate us to total dependence on the ineptitude of the federal government.  If they are successful in banning guns, the law-abiding and mostly peaceful citizens of the great nation will be subjected to the unimaginable danger of criminals, terrorists, and evil people perpetrating their crimes on us.  We will be left defenseless, violating the Constitution, reason, and the Bible.  Yes, I believe and can prove that the Bible affords us the right to self-defense.

Joe Biden and those who are devoted followers of the rabid gun control activist are wrong on virtually every count regarding guns.  They love to label the NRA and all gun owners in America as racists, unfeeling, and the scourge of the earth.  We are less than human to them, and those of us who are combat veterans are deemed potential domestic terrorists and deserving of constant scrutiny. 

Someone recently told me, that America has about 4% of the world’s population but owns 60% of all the guns.  That alone defeats their argument that gun ownership is the problem.  If their numbers are factual or even remotely close, they just admitted that there are millions of us, the vast majority of gun owners, who are neither dangerous nor a threat.  If gun ownership were the problem, total annihilation of the human race would have occurred.  I know this will elicit hateful sneers, but the problem is not the gun it is the person holding it that causes the problem.  Guns are a tool, not a cause!

I weep with those suffering the tragic, needless, and diabolical loss resulting from any mass shooting.  I am incensed beyond words over any murder, but when it is the slaughter of defenseless and innocent children, I am doubly angered.  That extends to the slaughter of innocent lives in the womb.  But, in Uvalde, Oklahoma, New York, Chicago, or any other place, politicizing the tragedy should be unacceptable to all sides. 

I am disturbed that in virtually every mass shooting the first claim is that it is connected to or to be blamed on white supremacy.  In many cases, the shooter was not white and not affiliated with or embracing any conservative philosophy.  Most of them were noticeably disturbed individuals, often growing up without a responsible father’s guidance, and often indoctrinated by some religious ideology or demonstrating overflowing rage and anger at something, someone, or the system itself.

Joe Biden falsely claimed that mass shootings tripled following the 2004 expiration of Congress’ assault-rifle ban.  He predicted that if Congress did not bow at the altar of superficial solutions and adopt the extreme gun control measures of the Left, Americans would “act to turn your outrage into making this issue central to your vote.”  He is right and he is wrong!  If they persist in attempting to strip us of our Second Amendment Rights, it will become a central issue and I would suspect that the millions of law-abiding gun owners will not respond positively to the agenda to disarm Americans.

Joe Biden made an astounding statement that exemplifies the view of the Left.  He said, that “the Second Amendment, like all other rights, is not absolute.”  What?  Wait, Mr. Biden, you believe that our rights our inalienable God-given rights that the founders believed the government had no right to infringe upon are not absolute.  You might want to go back and read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights again.  But then acknowledging the Constitution would be dangerous to your ideology and agenda.

What would be the motive or what has been the motive in every regime in history seeking to implement total gun control?  Tyranny, Despotism, and Dictatorship!  Why would this administration desire to make gun manufacturers liable for what someone did with one of their guns?  The motive seems clear, if they can create enough animosity and financial difficulty for the manufacturers, they can achieve gun control without legislation or an amendment to the Constitution. 

I have a question, if that is reasonable to hold the manufacturers liable for guns, then why not make the pharmaceutical companies liable for their drugs?  Why not make the automobile manufacturers liable for deaths caused by terrorists, intoxicated drivers, or anyone?  Why not make every manufacturer of any every liable?  Of course, it would be ridiculous and illogical to do so for doing so is both unreasonable and would result in no one manufacturing anything.  What would that do?

The red flag laws have holes in them and tragically, too frequently there is ineptitude and lack of communication between agencies tasked with vetting potential buyers.  There is inconsistency in prosecuting criminals using firearms.  I appreciate the desire to keep guns out of the hands of children.  However, if the parents properly trained their children to respect and realize the danger involved in the use of a gun, we would alleviate much of the problem. 

I grew up in a home where there were firearms and at least one of them was loaded, at all times.  There were many reasons for that including self-defense and the need to protect our livestock and animals from predators.  In today’s world, if you have the firearm in the prescribed safe storage, with a trigger lock, and your ammunition in a separate location, it is useless for self-defense.  I guess you could ask the intruder to wait and allow you to adequately prepare.  I am sure the perpetrator would comply demonstrating a sense of fair play, right? 

A complete ban on any class of firearms would exceed the Constitutional constraints.  It is one thing to impose enforceable limits on felons and the mentally ill from carrying a firearm.  It is also reasonable to impose limits on carrying a firearm in some sensitive areas without proper licensing and authorization.  But totally banning firearms has a dangerous possibility and will not achieve the stated objective of saving lives.

Every despot in history that stripped citizens of their guns eventually committed horrendous genocide against citizens in achieving their objective of total control.  The responses of the police (and I support law enforcement) in Uvalde demand acknowledgment of the reality that the response time or lack thereof leaves citizens in danger.  Allowing citizens, the inalienable right to protect themselves ultimately protects them and allows them to attempt to save the lives of others. 

Allowing fear and the sense of compassion to ‘do something’ and allowing guilt to overwhelm our sense of reason will not solve the problem of violence.  I have been blasted by some on both sides of the issue when I insist that there is a solution that does not require a gun ban or confiscation.  That solution is God! That solution is to reinforce the two-parent family unit.  That solution is to reinstate discipline in our society.  That solution is to enforce the current laws on the books.  Allowing our fear and feeling of guilt if we do not ‘do something’ will only create a worse situation rather than providing a solution.

The danger and motive behind Gun Control and Gun Bans by the government are not to protect lives but to eliminate a threat to their desired agenda of Total Control.  If we are not armed, we have little means to resist should they move forward in seizing control.  I hate violence regardless of who initiated it or what tool was used to carry out the assault or murder.  Life is valuable to God and me!  However, if a person is determined to do harm, they should be forced to realize there can be a consequence to their actions.  Disarming the law-abiding will not do that. 

God bless you and God bless America!

I will continue rehearsing our Freedoms, Liberties, Rights, and our Constitutional Republic as established by the Founding Fathers once more time.  I want to present a thought that is deeply rooted in my faith and love of America and the God-given Freedoms and the Republic we have been blessed with. 

I make that statement at the outset so those who find anything religious anathema can tune out and not feel the need to attack and experience the animosity my post will engender.  For those who are Christians, Patriots, and Lovers of Freedom you may or may not agree with what I am going to say.  I hope you will consider my thoughts and then formulate your own view and plan your own actions as we navigate 2022 and the upcoming elections.

I have been, as have millions of others, praying, thinking, searching for answers, and trying to determine the cause of our plight and the best course of action.  As I prayed recently, I sensed in my heart of hearts something that shook me deeply.  It caused me to reflect on my own attitude, what I see in the nation and the world, and what I hear from all sectors of society.  I do not want to become a broken record and be dismissed as an alarmist.  However, I see something incredibly dire, dangerous, and disastrous in the current state of everything in America.

Over 240-plus years ago a group of Patriots, Preachers, and People concluded that there was an encroaching evil that had become an unbearable tyranny.  They determined that it was their mandate for posterity, from a biblical view, and for the sake of Freedom to resist.  That could cost them everything and victory was their only hope of survival.

There were those in the colonies, in all sectors from the secular to the spiritual that believed that compliance and appeasement were the best courses of action.  Some of them adopted that view out of fear.  Some out of a misguided view of biblical mandates.  Some out of a desire to not rock the boat and maintain the status quo thereby not affecting their bottom line and positions of prominence.  They were called loyalists.  Some were loyalists ideological, but many were loyalists because of the aforementioned reasons.

Some of our Founding Fathers and other unnamed and unsung patriots of that era knew in their heart of hearts that if they did not ‘stand in the gap’ and impede the growing tyranny all liberty would be lost.  They knew that they would be forced to comply with governmental mandates that touched every dimension of life.  They feared the governmental overreach of the British Crown would steal all hopes and dreams of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.  The inalienable Rights and Blessings that God had granted to all mankind were being restricted.

They paid taxes but had virtually no voice in the political directions or decisions.  Many came to America with the hope of achieving the dream of Life, Prosperity, and Freedom.  They were feeling the iron fists of power squeezing the life out of those dreams and that was untenable for them.  As Patrick Henry famously declared, “Give me liberty or give me death” became the mantra of those desiring freedom.

Today, we are watching an incredible rise in evil.  I do not believe that the struggle we are now engaged in is political but spiritual.  I do not believe that God is interested in Democrats or Republicans but in right and wrong.  I believe that He is looking at the condition of man and, while we were warned in Scripture of this hour, He is heartbroken that we allowed it to transpire and transpire so rapidly in America. 

It is my conviction that if those who believe in God, are followers of Christ (Christians), do not ‘stand in the gap’ and resist evil this nation and the world will go to hell in a handbasket.  Some would argue that it already has.  I contend that we can turn the tide and achieve a small window of opportunity with a reprieve from the destruction and devastation.  I believe that if the believers, the followers of Christ, and the Church will determine to follow the directive of 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Matthew 6:9-13 and 6:33 we can achieve a victory.

In Ezekiel 22:30 we read that God said, “I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one.”  What a horrific situation.  Some take that scripture and make God the ogre, but I read it and realize that it is reflective of the heart of our Heavenly Father to Spare Us!  He is not willing that any should be lost and is more willing to forgive than condemn if we will just give Him the opportunity.

I have been sensing as Isaiah the prophet did when he cried out seeing his own condition and that of his nation and heard God ask, “Who will go and who can we send?”  Isaiah said, “Me, LORD.  Me!  I will go, send me!”  I am sensing the Spirit of God calling me and anyone who will heed the call to come out from among them and be separate and become Watchmen on the Wall warning of evil.  He is calling for those who will commit themselves to intercession, not token prayers.  He is calling for those who will become willing to die, if necessary, for His Purposes, and Freedom.  He is calling, are we listening?

If the good does not resist the evil what is to impede the evil from running amok?  If those who believe in moral rightness sit in silence as immorality prevails what is to prevent the spread of that destruction?  If those who believe in personal responsibility and accountability do not step forward and teach, warn, resist, and demonstrate moral rightness what is to impede the purveyors of an anti-God and anti-American philosophy?  If we allow the continued genocide of the unborn (thankfully Roe has been sent back to the states, but abortion still exists), destruction of the two-parent family, entitlement mentality, political correctness, assault on religious freedom, freedom of speech, the right of self-defense, and a myriad of other infringements we will destroy the Republic. 

It is time to move from focusing on political parties to the basic principles of freedom, liberty, and inalienable rights, and return to our moral moorings.  It is time that we devote ourselves to what made America the Free Constitutional Republic where the dream of Life, Liberty, and Happiness was available for all.  It is time that we STAND IN THE GAP and say NO MORE!  We must resist and that may be costly, but it is mandatory.

It is time that those who believe the Bible and in Freedom stand up and demand that the politicians adhere to the Constitution and the Rule of Law.  It is time that we, as a people, return to the moral and ethical foundations that were recognized in our beginning.  It is time that those who believe in God recommit themselves to Him and having done all to stand, stand firm.

God bless you and God bless America!

Let’s continue our review of our Constitutional Freedoms and our Free Constitutional Republic as we celebrate Independence week.   I realize that everyone who reads what I am writing does not ascribe to or embrace the Christian faith.  That cannot deter me from expressing my views on the Constitution, the Bible, God, Morality, Family, and Life.  This article is about Religion, Faith, and our Constitutional protections within the First Amendment of “Religious Freedom.” 

From time to time some people challenge me on this subject and insist that the “Separation of Church and State” prohibits anything of religion from being included in the public square.  I adamantly disagree.  I believe that the Founding Fathers would as well and there is evidence to support my position. 

We should have separation of the Church and the State in the sense that the State NEVER seeks to control or mandate to Religion what it can or cannot believe.  We were given “Freedom of Religion,” and some make that “Freedom from Religion.”   This means, that nothing of the Bible can be visible or included in anything government. 

That idea flies in the face of the actions and writings of the Founding Fathers as well as their frequent inclusion of prayer in public gathers and endeavors.  That position overlooks the documented times they sought the advice and counsel of the clergy before making political decisions.  Why?  Because they recognized that “God is!”  They recognized Him as “Creator.”  They recognized that our Rights are “natural” or “inalienable” coming from Him, not the government.  That is foreign to much thinking in today’s political arena.

Back to my title statement and what I want to address in this article.  Some see the Christian Religion as simply an ideology or an opinion, not a life-changing experience.  I disagree based on my knowledge of the Bible and personal experience.  I know the change that transpired in my life, attitude, language, and actions when I repented of my sins and accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord.  The change was one that people knew without my telling them.  I had people ask, before I said anything, “What has happened to you?”  My experience was transformational.

Anytime the federal government issues edicts that restrict, prohibit, or infringe upon our Religious Freedoms they are wrong constitutionally, biblically, and morally.  I was grateful when under Donald Trump the U.S. State Department launched a global coalition to defend ‘religious freedom.’  

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the establishment of the International Religious Freedom Alliance, a coalition with twenty-seven countries.  Their commitment is to respect the ‘Freedom of Conscience’ and advocate for ‘Religious Freedom.’  That was a great first step that has since been trashed.  I had hoped it would translate into a stronger defense of this Right in America.

I agree with the statement of the CEO of Open Doors, David Curry.  He said: “Civil society has a role to play, government has a role to play in creating environments where people can practice their faith or choose not to practice a faith without fear of pressure, oppression, being imprisoned, being attacked by other groups.  We need civil government to pass the kinds of laws that allow people to change their mind or change their faith if they so choose as an adult to do that, or to decide that they want to be an atheist – I think these are things that civil government has to do.”

Over the past few years, we have frequently been told that America is not a Christian nation.  That was the clear position of former President Barack Obama and seems to be in the mindset of the incoherent Joe Biden.  Mr. Obama devotedly defended Islam but frequently castigated Christianity and spoke disparagingly about Christians calling those of us who supported the Right “bitter clingers.”  He lamented that we were those who clung to our “Bibles and our Guns.”  Imagine that!  We defend two of the basic provisions and guarantees of the American Constitution and we were in the words of Hillary Clinton, “a basket of deplorables.”  Wow!

Being a Christian nation and having our laws and government influenced and impacted by Christianity, the Bible, morality, and religion are often viewed negatively by those who hate us.  A former Supreme Court Justice, David Brewer explained what it meant to be a Christian nation.  His assertions are worthy of consideration and therefore included in this writing.

Justice Brewer said, “[I]n what sense can [America] be called a Christian nation? Not in the sense that Christianity is the established religion or that the people are in any manner compelled to support it. On the contrary, the Constitution specifically provides that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Neither is it, Christian, in the sense that all its citizens are either in fact or name Christians. On the contrary, all religions have free scope within our borders. Numbers of our people profess other religions, and many reject all. Nor is it Christian in the sense that a profession of Christianity is a condition of holding office or otherwise engaging in public service, or essential to recognition either politically or socially. In fact, the government as a legal organization is independent of all religions. Nevertheless, we constantly speak of this republic as a Christian nation – in fact, as the leading Christian nation of the world.”

David Barton of Wall Builders addressed it succinctly.   He said: “So, if being a Christian nation is not based on any of the above criteria, then what makes America a Christian nation? According to Justice Brewer, America was “of all the nations in the world . . . most justly called a Christian nation” because Christianity “has so largely shaped and molded it.”

In America, we have a Republic that has been shaped significantly by the Christian Religion.  I believe that Biblical Christianity has resulted in producing many of our cherished traditions that none of us should desire to be lost.  We have a Republican rather than a Theocratic form of government.  We have institutional separation of church and state as opposed to forced institutional secularization of the church and state.  We have protection for religious toleration and the rights of conscience.  We have a free-market approach to religion ensuring religious diversity and recognition of our right to follow our conscience. 

Although he is often lambasted regarding the Bible and God, Thomas Jefferson was instrumental in establishing weekly Sunday worship services at the U.S. Capitol.  Imagine that!  That continued through the 19^th Century, and he faithfully and regularly attended those services.  He is reported to have braved inclement weather traveling by horseback to attend the Capitol church.  The U.S. Capitol was available for church services because Article I, Section 7 included the Constitutional requirement that forbade federal lawmaking on Sunday.  This was a recognition by our Founders of the Christian Religion’s Sabbath.  Biblically the Sabbath is Saturday but in America, Sunday was and is still often identified as the Sabbath.

Jefferson explained why he wanted the church at the Capitol and attended.  He said, “No nation has ever existed or been governed without religion.  Nor can be.  The Christian religion is the best religion that has been given to man and I, as Chief Magistrate of this nation, am bound to give it the sanction of my example.”  So much for his desire for all things religious to be banned from the public square and federal buildings, etc.

I want all our Inalienable and Constitutional Rights to be protected and protected for everyone!  I want us to return to a condition where the Constitution is respected and honored.  I want elected officials to once again, “Protect and Defend the Constitution.”  I want that even if they disagree with it.  I have been encouraged by President Trump’s defense of our Religious Freedoms and our other Freedoms.

God bless you and God bless America.

As we move past the 4^th of July to the 5th of July, we will continue our consideration of Liberty and Freedom and the Free Constitutional Republic called the United States of America.  All our American liberties, freedoms, and constitutional rights must be protected if we are to survive as a free people and nation. 

Our founding fathers recognized a truth that today’s politicians, bureaucrats, Deep State Statists, and the swamp denizens do not.  The founder’s recognized the sovereignty of God and that our Creator granted to all human beings certain inalienable rights.  Those in today’s political climate appear to believe they are the conveyors of rights, privileges, freedoms, and liberties.

When the idea was advanced and adopted that our founders and the framers of the American Constitution desired all things of God and the Bible to be banned from the public sector, we began the rapid descent toward the abyss of a freedom-less society.  Our founders clearly wanted to prevent the federal government from having the ability to establish a State Church but did not desire God’s banishment from the public sector.  I have addressed that so many times, I will not delve deeply into it again.

The problems we face in America cannot be solved or resolved by governmental edicts, laws, mandates, or injunctions.  At the root of the problem is the deficiency and depravity of the human heart. Until the human heart is transformed the problem will persist.  The bentness toward evil will prevail and human envy, hate, bias, bigotry, and greed will prevail until we deal with the heart issue.  As long as the heart remains unregenerate and lacks the needed transformation covetousness will drive wedges between people and we will have the chaos we now see.  It will not remain static but will escalate to the point that either martial law will be invoked, or a bloody war will ensue.

One of the freedoms that helps to protect all the other freedoms is embodied in the First Amendment.  I believe that without Freedom of Speech we will find ourselves censored and silenced by the ruling powers.  However, beyond Freedom of Speech, we must maintain our Freedom of Religion, or we will succumb to the baser nature of the human heart and that will not bode well for America or anyone in this republic.  When it becomes every man for himself, it will be an unlivable world.

The current administration, following the lead of their national party, continues to take positions on religious freedom that is so restrictive following one’s faith and core convictions become impossible within the construct of the law.  They have repeatedly refused to defend those following the Christian faith but defended the followers of religions other than the Judeo-Christian faith.

In December 2020, the Trump administration’s Department of Justice accused the University of Vermont Medical Center of an egregious violation of religious freedom.  Eric Dreiband, the assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division, called the hospital’s treatment of forcing a nurse to assist in an abortion against her core religious convictions.  He argued, rightly I believe, the kind of hospital’s treatment of the nurse, “the kind of indecent coercion [that] violates everything this country stands for.”  The Biden administration dropped the lawsuit.  

Drieband argued, “Federal law protects health care providers from having to choose between their job and participation in what they sincerely believe is the taking of an innocent life.  Coercing people to perform abortions violates the law, and the U.S. Department of Justice will not stand for this shocking and outrageous attack against the right of all people in this free country to follow their conscience.” 

The current administration supports the liberal ideological position that religious freedoms can be infringed upon if they are in disagreement with the adopted liberal views on abortion or when life begins.  Just as Obama and Biden denied and denied the religious freedom and rights of the Little Sisters of the Poor, this administration supports forcing people of the Christian faith to abandon their convictions and follow the governmental edicts.  That places our religious freedom in grave danger for this is only the crack in the door and will open pandora’s box if allowed to continue. 

When any party or politician takes a position that reveals they are willing to sacrifice religious freedom on the altar of political correctness we are all in danger.  The idea being conveyed is that the agenda and goal of the followers of this toxic liberal philosophy are that religious freedom is secondary to their demand for universal recognition and acceptance of their views on abortion, homosexuality, marriage, gender, and a myriad of other matters affecting or conflicting with the Bible and one’s faith. 

They insist they are defending rights, but how do you defend rights by trampling on the inalienable rights defined in our Constitution?  The present push to adopt Critical Race Theory in our schools, make it a crime to be a white male who does not bow at the altar of political correctness or things of that nature.  The demand for abortion at will, gender blending, and transgenderism allow what can be considered nothing short of pedophilia with drag queens addressing our children and demonstrating their views. 

Those along with a myriad of other issues all anathema to the Christian faith are threatening freedom.  If our religious freedom is stripped from us and pastors and those choosing to follow their faith will become criminals in the eyes of the state.  If our religious freedoms are infringed what will prevent them from infringing upon all our rights?

I believe that it is to the advantage of every society to embrace the fear of God.  You may vehemently disagree, that is your choice.  I want you to be free to believe or not believe, but I want to be given that same freedom.  I read about a non-religious mother complaining about her seven-year-olds best friend would not stop talking to him about the Bible and stories about Jesus.  She said, “I do not want him to be religious.  I want him to learn that you should be a good person and do the right thing because it is the right thing to do, not because God will punish you if you do not.”

Might I suggest that Christian parents want their children to be good people too!  They want them to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.  They also realize that motivation by God not judgment is the ideal.  However, most of them also understand that there is a healthy societal benefit from fearing God with reverential awe.

I have read some psychologists of international repute and esteemed as being knowledgeable speak of the ‘Stages of Psychosocial Development.’  They contend that when a child is in a certain early developmental stage, he understands that something is wrong only if he gets punished for it.  I know that will not sit well with the non-punishment crowd, but I concur and so does the Bible. 

The Bible says that the “Fear of God is the beginning of knowledge and/or wisdom.” [Proverbs 9:10].  What happens in a society where people are never disciplined and forced to face the reality that choices have consequences?  One of the reasons we have such a lack of respect for those in authority, teachers, police, or parents is easily traceable to the lack of discipline in childhood.  If a person never learns to do the right thing or what is right, they will violate the law and violate other people’s rights and property.

Many accept the idea that the police and our judicial system are designed to deal with the recalcitrant and those violators will end up punished and behind bars. Yet, those same people reject the idea that there is to be a healthy and reverential fear of God.  Some people do not do what is right simply because it is right. 

Christianity embraces the biblical view that one should do the right thing because it is the right thing to do.  The Bible, in my view, teaches two types of valid repentance.  The ideal would be that when one does wrong, they are genuinely sorry for having committed that transgression because they realize it is wrong and they love God.  They realize they have wounded the heart of their loving creator.  The other which is less than perfect is one is repentant because they fear punishment.

Even the best of people sometimes displays missing pieces in their moral compass.  They will feel bad and have genuine remorse when they violate the moral principles residing in their hearts.  Some may realize they have violated those moral principles but because in their minds everybody is doing it and the fear of God is a missing element, they feel remorse. 

If we remove all religious freedoms and banish moral absolutes, we will find ourselves in a world where the ideal is unattainable (people doing right because it is right).  We will find ourselves in a society where there is no fear of any punishment but man’s laws and only then if caught.  The conscience will no longer play a role in the development of society.  If we lose our consciousness of God and eternity, we are in danger of a world in such chaos none are safe, and no rights will be maintained. 

Thank you for allowing me to ramble but I hope I have conveyed the reality that All Freedoms must be protected, and we need to begin with the Freedom of Religion.

God bless you and God bless America!

Let us continue our look at Freedom and Liberty in America!  Freedom and Liberty are commodities that we appear to be losing to the nefarious patróns of government.  I wholly ascribe to the philosophy and view that was embraced in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.  I embrace the view stated in our Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.  I believe in the declarations of the Word of God, the Bible, that God loves everyone!  He does not endorse the behavior of everyone, nor does He excuse sin and wrong attitudes, but His Love is unconditional, unlike ours.

Therefore, I believe that unless everyone is afforded Freedom including, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, and the Right to Self-Defense, we have lost our purpose and our republic.  I believe that “all were created equal and endowed with inalienable rights from our Creator, Jehovah God.”  I believe that everyone has the right to life unimpeded by the federal government or nefarious political power brokers. 

I believe that everyone, including the unborn in the womb, has the constitutionally protected right to L-I-F-E. That means they must be allowed to be birthed and either raised by loving parents or allowed to be adopted by those desiring children.  Murdering them is not an option!  I believe that everyone has the right to pursue Happiness and that the government must be kept limited. We have gone from not being able to define what a woman is to knowing exactly what a woman is due to the SCOTUS decision on abortion. The paranoia, lies, fears, and spreading of disinformation and misinformation are rampant.

We have drifted light-years from Limited Government as a position or condition.  Therefore, I say, “Either it is Freedom for All or it is Freedom from None!”  We have our elections and then we must endure the decisions of those elected or the installed politicians and bureaucrats and deal with the ideologies they pursue.  We are forced to deal with and sometimes we must endure their governmental edicts.  They expect us to follow their mandates without resistance or question.  We have limited options as to how we are going to combat any nefarious infringements upon our liberties, freedoms, and inalienable rights.

Our 3^rd President, Thomas Jefferson’s expressed view is one to which I ascribe.  He said in a letter to James Madison in 1787, “I own that I am not a friend of a very energetic government. It is always oppressive.”   I deeply appreciate the sentiments of Benjamin Franklin as published in Emblematical Representations in 1774.  He said, “The ordaining laws in favor of one part of the nation, to the prejudice and oppression of another, is certainly the most erroneous and mistaken policy.  An equal dispensation of protection, rights, privileges, and advantages, is what every part is entitled to, and ought to enjoy.”

I also acknowledge the wisdom and warning in the words of James Madison in Federalist 48, 1788.  He said, “It will not be denied that power is an encroaching nature and that it ought to be effectually restrained from passing the limits assigned to it.”  Then, the incredibly wise words of James Wilson, published in ‘Of the Study of the Law of the United States, 1790.’  He said, “Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression.  Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and become licentiousness.”  There must be a balance and reason for us to maintain the balance of power in our federal government. 

The world we now live in is a politically charged world that has embraced a climate of political correctness and is stifling the freedom of speech, thought, and religious beliefs of many.  The censorship by major internet players, social media outlets, and even Congress and the Courts is destroying the American spirit that propelled us to the greatness that produced one of if not the greatest republic on the planet. 

I will never forget that former President Barack Obama declared that American exceptionalism was a myth and proceeded to voice his anti-American worldview and sentiments in an apology tour of the world.  America was deemed to be founded on faulty principles and had become great on the backs of the oppressed. 

The demand for Freedom of expression and the right to protest by various segments of society is deemed a constitutional right. All the while repressing and censoring those holding conservative, Christian, and Constitutional Originalist. That condition is destroying us.  Freedom must be granted to all citizens, or none can be free. 

The objective view and desire of our founders were that everyone would enjoy those rights that were deemed God-given and therefore inalienable and untouchable by the federal government.  Politicians over the past one hundred years have demonstrated a political view that government is paramount, and we the people are secondary.  That limits freedom for some and ultimately endangers freedom for all.

If we desire to maintain our freedom and the constitutional guarantees our Founders provided, it is imperative that we actively engage in a measure of peaceful political activism.  What I mean is we must regularly, thoughtfully, factually, and consistently apply pressure on all elected officials to follow the Constitution not the preferences of any group of citizens. 

The Framers of our American Constitution exhibited incredible restraint and foresight.  They understood that for America to thrive and survive as a republic it must have more than a powerful central government.  They understood that an elected official was not immune from embracing tyrannical desires and views.  They understood that those individuals were mere human beings, not angels, and therefore subject to corruption and were not infallible. 

Those wise men attempted to fence in the political ruling class and divide governmental authority.  They gave Congress “19” and only nineteen specific powers that largely concerned taxation, coining money, and spending it on “the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States.”  Simply, Congress’s job was to keep America safe not become a totalitarian oligarchy that envisioned itself as a virtual god with unlimited powers.

The Constitution specifies that any powers not enumerated for the federal government were to be understood as belonging to the individual states and ultimately belonging to the citizens.  They sought to ensure that the republic would never be converted from “a limited government into an unlimited one.” 

Few politicians in Washington believe that or even understand that.  They demonstrate by their actions, legislation, and regulations that they believe their powers are unlimited.  They seem to believe that we the people should be eternally grateful for the tidbits they toss our way.  They have failed to remember that the United States of America is a republic established to operate as a Limited Government.  It is time that we remind them, all of them, Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and any other segment of that fact.

The elections of 2020 are over, and the elections of 2022 are upon us.  The Republic needs her patriots to rise and engage in a measure of political activism to counter the activism of the toxic liberal worldview that desires the fundamental transformation of this nation. 

The only questions are can we do that without formal organization and delegated activities?  Can we achieve that as individual citizens or will we be forced to form a coalition of Freedom Loving Patriots who are willing to die for Freedom if required?  Can we pressure the elected oligarchs enough to cause them to fear losing the next election to elicit a change in their mindset and proper governance?  Time will tell and our efforts will dictate the outcome.

I am committed to praying for the nation as much as I was and maybe even more than before the election.  America needs the guidance of the Almighty and we need to return to our moral moorings as a people.  We have been a great nation and still are, but we can be greater only if we will draw a line in the sand and demand Constitutional governance.  Will you join me?

God bless you and God bless America!

The elections of 2020 are passed, and the elections of 2022 are upon us.  As Americans, we must decide if we are going to continue as a Republic or not.  We were given an incredible system of government in the late 1700s, but we are in danger of allowing ourselves to become fundamentally transformed by those with an ideology antithetical to our founding. 

The fight for freedom is never just one election or a one-time event, but a perpetual effort.  The fight for liberty is not a fight for us individually or even this present generation but a fight for posterity.  Our founding fathers understood this reality, expressed it and took incredibly wise steps to provide a pathway to continued liberty through republicanism.

The founders and framers of our constitution and system of government understood the grave dangers of direct democracies and the incredible benefits and possibilities found in republics.  They objected to oligarchies, monarchies, and dictatorships, and sought to provide a government that could be of the people, by the people, and for the people. 

Any time humans attain power and position the tendency is to gravitate toward rulership and a corrupt mentality.  The insightful words of Lord Acton, the 19^th-century British historian come to mind and should be remembered. He said, “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  I believe that although there is an element of truth in that statement there is a reality that extends beyond it and speaks more fully to the issue.  That is, “Power does not corrupt; it heightens pre-existing ethical tendencies.”  Abraham Lincoln seemed to understand that reality when he said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.”

The issue of freedom and its antagonist, power can be noted in the Bible in the Gospel of John.  In John 11, the religious hierarchy was deeply disturbed by the miracles of Jesus and said, “If we let Him go on like this, all men will believe Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”  (v.48).  They were concerned with the loss of power, position, and prominence not the benefit of the people or mankind.  That is the same root that is prevalent in the world of politics, business, and virtually every segment of society.  The quest for control and power and the willingness to do whatever is necessary to maintain must be guarded against.

In America, we were provided a Constitution that identified what the government was permitted to do and specified that all else was off-limits.  The professional politicians who make up the bureaucracy in Washington and filled the Halls of Congress, many of the Courts, and the various Agencies of government want power. 

Our political system has evolved into a corrupt entity that focuses more on self-perpetuation than the benefit of the republic or the citizens.  We (the people) have become secondary and deemed uninformed as to what should transpire.  We provide the votes and the money for them to pursue their ambitions and if we receive a benefit in the process that is a bonus.  They believe we should be groveling grateful for any tidbit they toss us and should never question or complain.

I rediscovered a document that was published on January 19, 1961.  That document caught my attention and reminded me of the requirement each of us has in this fight for freedom.  Regardless of the purpose of the article, it makes several statements that are perpetually germane in the discussion and pursuit of freedom.  It was a statement by Earl W. Kintner, Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission in a meeting with the Better Business Bureau of Memphis, Tennessee.  He said, “Freedom is difficult to define.  Yet a society dedicated to individualism must somehow perform this difficult task of definition if it is to survive.” 

I am convinced that if we are to maintain freedom and liberty in America, we must define what we desire to preserve.  If we do not know what we are trying to preserve how will we know if we have succeeded?  If we do not know what freedom is how will we take the proper steps to preserve or achieve it? 

Mr. Kintner went on to say, “A working concept of freedom must somehow equate the rights of one and the rights of many, the rights of the individual and the rights of society.  Too much deference to the rights of the individual produces anarchy; too much deference to the rights of the mass produces a faceless tyranny.  Obviously, a balance must be struck.”

I frequently hear people say, “Well we are a democracy, and the majority rules.”  I feel compelled to remind everyone, that we are not a direct democracy but a constitutional republic with a representative government.  Our founders detailed with incredible accuracy the dangers of being a direct democracy and the benefits of a republican form of government. 

That is why they provided the system of checks and balances in the three branches of government.  A distinction that corruption has blurred to our hurt.  They provided the electoral college system to ensure that each state has proper representation in the selection of the President.  A direct majority rule policy would relegate that selection to the East and West Coasts with pockets of large liberal Urban centers in the midsection of the nation.

Our political and economic systems are at their best when they allow the individual the greatest opportunity for unfettered self-improvement.  Strangling government regulations, exorbitant taxation, and loss of liberties such as speech, religion, self-defense, and movement all diminish freedom and open the door to tyranny. 

Freedom is not without obstacles and only as we take the proper steps to prevent political corruption from stripping us of our liberties can we remain free.  Today, we must decide if we will take those actions.  Our votes indicate our decision not our actions in the years to come will define our resolve.

Many of those who came to America, in the beginning, came in pursuit of religious liberty and to escape oligarchies and the tyranny of self-serving monarchs.  They persevered through some daunting obstacles and difficulties with an unshakable conviction that a society could be built based on God’s Word and His Laws.  For over 240 years America has enjoyed unprecedented freedom and liberty and over the past decade or so those liberties have become the target of the politically corrupt.

In our early years, there was evidence of spiritual revivals that helped America maintain a strong moral and spiritual value system that promoted personal accountability and responsibility.  There was a measure of self-reliance without viewing the self as omnipotent but in our respect for the moral values of the Bible, a strong work ethic, and the recognizable value placed on the family we thrived. 

Since the Great Society of LBJ, we have been traveling at light speed toward the disruption of those values, and today we are at a significant crossroads.  What road do we take?  Freedom and Liberty or do we acquiesce and surrender to the political power mongers and become enslaved without chains?

I pray that we will discover, before it is too late, that Freedom is not without a price and will unite in demanding that all politicians at all levels will honor the Constitution, respect our inalienable rights, and return to being a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.  We have the power if we unite.  We have no power if we remain divided!

God bless you and God bless America!

Now for another installment on Liberty and Freedom.   As we turn our attention to Monday, July 4^th, our Independence Day, we need to evaluate the present state of affairs in America, in the government, society, and even the church.  It is my view and that of many others that America is in a crisis and needs to ‘reclaim’ our Freedom and our Land.  We need to return to our Moral Moorings and more than anything and return to God and our Christian Heritage. 

There are biblical principles involved and as we wade through this, I will attempt to identify several things I believe to be germane.  I hope to identify our condition.  I also hope that in some small measure I can identify how or why we got into this mess, and what, if anything, we can do to rectify it.  There is a solution.  I pray that addressing these issues will not result in diminishing or dampening anyone’s celebration of this incredible day in American History and that of the World.

If you do not agree that we need restoration, then what I have to say will not resonate with you.  However, if you see, what many of us see, and realize that our liberties and freedoms are being systematically stripped from us and our moral moorings as a nation have drifted, it may.  If you are interested in seeing America restored to our foundational base and be the Republic our Founders envisioned, then I invite you to take this journey with me.

I do not believe we can achieve or receive the fullness that our Founders envisioned, and God desires individually or nationally UNTIL… Until what?  Until we have followed His directives and placed ourselves in ‘right standing’ with Him, His Word, each other, and the Constitution.  I believe strongly in a biblical principle that ‘preparation always precedes blessing.’

In 2 Kings 3:16, the prophet Elisha gave some specific instructions to King Jehoshaphat as they prepared for battle with Moab.  He said, “make this valley full of ditches.”  Israel complied and the next morning water had filled the ditches.  Moab awoke and the glistening of the morning sun made the water appear as blood and they assumed that Israel had turned on each other and ran to the battlefield to collect the spoils of victory.  The result was a complete slaughter of Moab and a victory for Israel.  I use this example to demonstrate that when we do what God says, He provides.

Another example is in 2 Kings 4 where the prophet Elisha instructed the poor widow to borrow vessels.  She filled the house with borrowed utensils and the prophet poured them full UNTIL there were no more vessels.  The only limitation to her miracle was the number of vessels.  Her obedience or preparation enabled the man of God and God to do a miracle.  God will never go beyond our capacity or our obedience. 

In Matthew 12, Jesus identified some of the evidence of God’s Kingdom and Restoration, which can be applied to America and the restoration of our Freedoms and Liberties.  He called them Works.  He included the casting out of demons (trespassers on the promise), healing of the sick, and provided the reality that IF we follow God’s directives and seek to be realigned with His principles, purposes, and person, He will fulfill His promises. 

Our founding fathers expressed their realization that America came into existence because of the providence of God.  Today many in America believe we became what we became through our own strength and ability.  Some believe we achieved greatness as a nation on the backs of the less fortunate and our beginning was corrupt, and must be atoned for, and transformed.   I believe that even with our errors and sins in our beginning we originated for God’s purpose to be a catalyst to advance the Kingdom of God on this earth. 

In Matthew 12:25 our LORD declared something that is incredibly important spiritually, personally, and nationally.  He said, “Any kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.”  We are divided in America beyond anything I ever envisioned could become a reality.  The hate and vitriol that is hurled about vehemently is eroding the foundation of our Republic and will be our destruction if not quelled.

We have a condition that can be identified as generational hatred.  It is being advanced and perpetuated to our hurt.  We have the systematic engendering of a brand of hate that hides cloaked in the claim of principle and justifies itself by attacking everyone and everything that disagrees.  Some claim to be constitutionalists and even conservative political idealists who have allowed personal animus toward particular candidates to cause them to join forces with those who would otherwise be deemed, enemies.  I suppose the philosophy “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” is applicable.  The result is division, estrangement, and the erosion of many freedoms and liberties.  The result will be the destruction of the Republic.

In Matthew 12:29, the Lord Jesus brought to light a reality that could easily be applied to our American predicament.  Jesus identified the strongman and in Luke 11 He expanded that and identified that this ‘strongman’ was fully armed.  The defeat of that strongman required one that was stronger to come in, disarm him, and reclaim what has been taken.  In America, the nefarious seekers of ‘fundamental transformation’ have divided us and weakened the fabric of our republic.  They have pitted us against each other when the objective of many on both sides of the equation is the best good for America. 

The problem lies in not understanding the result.  The problem lies in forgetting how we came into being and distorting the intent of our Founders as declared in the Declaration of Independence.  We have lost sight of our Creator, His Holiness, and His Provisions for us and become selfish and self-centered.  In many cases, we have lost sight of America and only viewed politics through the prism of our bias and personal ambitions.

Our Founding Fathers declared that they believed in self-evident truths.  Today’s academia and many political ideologues do not believe in ‘self-evident truth.’  They do not believe in a Creator. Therein is the problem.  When we eliminate the Creator, we also render ineffective if not null and void the idea of inalienable rights. 

I had a person that does not believe in God insist that they believe in inalienable rights.  I asked, “Where did those rights originate?”  He could not answer other than saying that they were either product of man’s desire or the gift of the government.  Yet, he claimed to believe in limited government, the constitution, and conservativism.  I am unable to connect those dots because, as our Founders declared, ‘these rights are endowed by the Creator upon man.’

God enabled America to become the Free Constitutional Republic for a purpose.  That purpose extends far beyond us being personally or nationally prosperous.  If material success and political prosperity are the purposes for our existence then we are prime candidates for greed, envy, covetousness, jealousy, ambition, and hate to prevail and destroy us. 

If there is no moral framework and mooring to which we attach our reason for existence, we will not seek the best good of everyone but our own interests.  I have heard all my life, “You have to look out for number one because no one else will.”  That is antithetical to the teachings of Jesus and contrary to the declarations of our Constitution, our Declaration of Independence, and the writings of our Founding Fathers. 

Our Founders and the Colonists believed that among those endowed rights was the Right to Life.  Therefore, we must ask, “What is Life?”  That would take a book to detail, but it is more than just breathing.  It is more than possessions.  It is the ability to pursue your purpose without undue restriction and regulation by a centralized power structure that seeks to dominate. 

They announced that there was the right to Liberty.  It is necessary to ask, “What is Liberty?”  It is more than not being in jail, prison, or chains.  The word carries the idea of Freedom, and that freedom must begin on the inside.  If I am Free on the Inside, then even if I were in chains, I remain Free.  Government cannot give me that, it comes as an endowment of our Creator.  Then, the right to Pursue Happiness.  But “What is Happiness?”  I contend you cannot have that quality of life unless you are allowed to live free.

We have talked about the vision of the Founders and even identified some of our conditions in the loss of liberty and freedom.  However, we have not begun to address the How, the Why, and the Remedy.

I believe those things can be capsuled in the reality that we have been deceived into believing that a benevolent elitist governmental hierarchy can provide those things for us or are charged with doing so.  Ignorance is the first step toward enslavement politically. It is tragic, but we have become ignorant of the devices of the devil politically. 

We have allowed the politicians to watch over the matter of government without giving the constitutionally mandated oversight.  Our ignorance as to what they have and are doing, coupled with our being ignorant of our authority and power has enabled the devious to become a ‘strongman’ taking over our house (America).

We can see the needed Restoration.  But that will not be a reality unless we return to the moral moorings of our beginning.  We can see Restoration, but only if we invest ourselves in the oversight of government and cease to allow the politicians to manage the politics of the nation.  We can see Restoration if we stop allowing the desired division promoted by the devious to thrive. 

If a restored America is our desire, then we need to take note of all politicians and parties that seek to weaken our Constitution, infringe upon our inalienable rights, and force us to comply with edicts that violate our conscience, conviction, and faith.

I believe that all who believe in God must become intercessors and as intercessors do the following: 

• Repent for our own sins and failures. 
• Repent for the sins of the nation. 
• Recognize what Jesus did for us at Calvary. 
• Recognize that the devil wants America destroyed. 
• Recognize that the devil has no power over us or America UNLESS he finds some legal ground within which he can operate. 

Therefore, Repentance is Required, even if we are not personally guilty of those sins that give the enemy of Freedom opportunity.

I see a deeply divided and troubled America and that causes me great sadness and concern.  I know in my heart of hearts that if we continue this hate-filled decline into degeneracy and division we will witness the end of the Republic.  I believe that to support an ideology, candidate, or political agenda that weakens our moral moorings infringes upon our liberties and rights, and denies the right to Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness is to abet and enable our own destruction. 

Therefore, I ask that you consider becoming an intercessor and pray for America.  I ask that you become involved in the process.  I ask that you carefully consider every candidate, and governmental proposal considering how it affects our Freedom, Liberty, and the ability to pursue Happiness.  I ask that you PRAY and then VOTE!

God bless you and God bless America!

Now for our second installment on focusing on Liberty, Freedom, and the Free Constitutional Republic, we have been blessed with.  I feel the need to remind everyone of what Independence Day truly means. It is far more than fireworks, hot dogs, apple pie, and a long weekend. It is about Freedom!

I am saddened by the prevalent hate, vitriol, paranoia, and anger in today’s world. We are standing on the precipice of destruction and most can only see the presence or absence of their preferences and view all who oppose them as mortal enemies. I see that even among those professing to believe in the Bible, Jesus, and identify as Christian. We are in a dangerous place and only God can change that.

Now, to the topic of today. I do not know about you, but I consider defending our Constitutional Rights and Freedoms a prime objective and responsibility of every freedom-loving American.  Any politician who is willing to bypass the Constitution and strip us of our inalienable rights is not a friend of mine nor America.  Any politician that attempts to sell the ‘snake oil’ solution of giving up liberty in hopes that the government can issue an edict that will keep us safe, is not my friend or a friend of the Constitution. 

Every politician elected to a national office is required to take an oath to both protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.  They are not afforded the luxury or privilege to cherry-pick which part of that document they protect or defend.  They are required by the Constitution and by moral decency to honor all of it whether they like what it says or not.  That is how we have survived for over 240 years and how we will continue if we do. 

Some accused me of being a Trump cultist and a Trump apologist and insisted that I never criticized anything he did.  That was and is blatantly false.  Today I am going to once again call into question an action that his administration pursued.  An action that administrations before him pursued. That action was the push by the federal government for tech companies to give the government ‘backdoor access’ to encrypted applications on our phones, computers, etc.  In my view, is questionable for several reasons.  I am concerned about the violation or potential violation of our constitutional right of protection from ‘unreasonable search and seizure.’ 

Some argue, that if it keeps us safe from one terrorist attack then it is worth it.  That is the same argument for ‘gun control’ but rejected when it comes to abortion or securing the border.  It is cherry-picking.  The words of Benjamin Franklin echo in my mind.  He said, “Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”  I know the word ‘deserve; is a bit harsh, but the truth is that if we give up liberty hoping for safety, we will end up with neither.  The country and the constitution will suffer as a result.

Encryption is the process used to encode data to prevent unwanted third parties from accessing a user’s personal profile.  The algorithms for encryption are many and varied, but their intended purpose is to protect you and me from the nefarious intrusion into our privacy and personal information.  Smartphones and computers utilize encryption to permanently lock our data in case of theft or if an unauthorized individual attempts to access our devices. 

Of course, those are not always successful, and hackers also use algorithms to break the codes and steal our personal data.  Viruses such as hackers have used the infamous Ryuk ransomware to successfully encrypt the files and steal information from hundreds of businesses around the world. 

I can appreciate the government wanting to protect us from terrorists, they should.  I want them to be able to do just that.  However, if they ignore the privacy of private law-abiding citizens and violate our constitutional rights, is that the right approach?  Sadly, my concerns are realities in today’s national intelligence communities. They are watching is more than we know and if we knew we would be horrified.

Terrorist organizations use apps like Telegram which features end-to-end encryption to communicate with each other and disseminate their radical propaganda.  That is dangerous and must be addressed.  Hackers and drug dealers also use that application for their diabolical purposes to communicate and safeguard their information.  If it is documented or there is reasonable suspicion that there is criminal activity then a warrant from the courts could and should be used, but not blanket access by the government. Of course, ‘reasonable’ sometimes becomes subjective and misused.

I realize that it is ancient history but in the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino, California we have an example of the dilemma and difficulty posed for the government and its citizens.  The Islamist Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife Tashfeen Malik took fourteen lives and injured twenty-two more in their attack.  Those terrorists deserved no protection.

Again, I know this is ancient history, but still relevant.  During the investigation, the FBI recovered Farook’s work phone, the iPhone5C, but was unable to unlock the device.  They requested Apple to create software that would allow them to access the iPhone of Farook.  Apple refused to do so, and a third party helped the FBI unlock the iPhone, but the information retrieved was limited. 

Apple’s refusal escalated the discussion of where the line should be drawn between National Security and Consumer Privacy.  That is an especially important line and one that is not always easily distinguishable.  I am very much interested in protecting against terrorists and incredibly determined to maintain our Constitutional Rights.  That is the kind of issue that could keep me awake at night.  Being torn is an understatement. 

Edward Snowden leaked information about the expansive and extensive government surveillance.  I am not trying to defend or condemn him, but the revelation was troubling and the extent to which ‘big brother’ is watching is concerning.  With the immense arsenal of the federal government to spy on citizens, the encryption issue may sound almost moot, but is it? 

The loss of privacy by law-abiding American citizens should always be a concern.  Let me offer a scenario and you decide how far you think the government should be able to go in its quest for information. 

If the government can deem that it has the right to all personal information and private communications for national security purposes what is next?  Could that not also argue that they have the right to control and determine what technological devices and technology we are allowed to utilize?  Could they not seek to be allowed to audit all our personal files on our home computers, tablets, or any other encrypted device at any moment for any reason?  All in the name of national security?  Before you say, “Well I have nothing to hide so go ahead, what is to prevent some nefarious ideologue from twisting things for their purposes?”  Are you confident that would not happen?

The conundrum is that we, as private citizens, want to be safe and protected but we also want to maintain our constitutional right to privacy.  Our current legal system is based on the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.  I fear that allowing unfettered access by the federal government to backdoor encryption will violate our personal privacy to the point that we will find ourselves not only unsafe but under the thumb of the tyrannical elitists in government who want total control.  I do not want America to become another China or any other despotic country where people no longer have true freedom.

Yes, I am perplexed and troubled over this and many other things.  However, I continue to stand for the Constitution and our inalienable rights and freedoms.  I also stand staunchly for discovering any criminal and terrorist and prosecuting them to the full extent of the law.  It is a perplexing situation and one that is not easily answered but with the push of the Left toward Total Control and Socialism, I fear for the personal freedom of all citizens. 

God bless you and God bless America is my prayer.  Lord, please keep us free while keeping us safe!