Of all the holidays associated with our country, the Fourth of July is my favorite, but this year I “come to the party” with mixed feelings. While I love my country, celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, and recognize that throughout the world millions of people yearn to enjoy these same freedoms, my heart is grieved by the imminent danger our nation is facing.
The peril to which I refer is not necessarily some grave danger from without, (although there is clear and present danger without), but rather the growing, not-so-subtle dangers from within our own ranks, especially inside the Beltway in our nation’s capital, though not limited to that by any means.
My concern is the void of common sense. As I listen to and read the news coming from Washington, state capitals, and the courtrooms across the country, I wonder if there is any common sense left anymore. Across America is the same basic concern—Washington/government has gone astray.
My concern is the lack of fiscal responsibility. If it isn’t bad enough that our national debt is climbing rapidly past $14,462,000,000, (that’s $129.500 per taxpayer and $46,400 per citizen), the very people who have made the decisions for this federal spending rampage continue making irresponsible financial decisions. To add insult to injury, they blame each other. FACT: The 535 men and women who have been making these decisions, collectively, are irresponsible in their spending of taxpayer dollars—and yet they want to raise the limit on the credit card (national debt ceiling)!
Here’s an announcement for governments throughout the land—stop living on credit and make the hard choices necessary to live within your means. My two-year-old granddaughter doesn’t have $46,400 to pay the bill! Oh, by the way—that’s just common sense, but that’s seems to be in short supply and a fresh supply of that can’t be printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing!
My concern is the growing moral depravity. America’s violation of morality takes on many forms these days, with violations from the White House to the outhouse. The commentary is truly sad when our (former) president, who can’t define “is,” set an example for the young people and children of America on what not to be. Tradition has it that George Washington couldn’t tell a lie. Apparently modern politicians can’t tell the truth! Only well-read and thinking Americans can tell the difference.
With New York’s senate joining five other states to declare same-sex marriage to be “legal,” Andrew Cuomo seemed to fall all over himself to find a pen to sign it into law before midnight. Mayor Bloomberg, really misspoke when he stated, “The Republicans who stood up today for those principles I think will long be remembered for their courage, foresight and wisdom.” Mayor, I have news for you—those Republicans were cowards for not standing for proper moral principles, they exhibited anything but foresight, and there was not a shred of wisdom in going against nature and nature’s God.
My concern is the ignorance of history. To suggest an ignorance of history alone is a bit misleading. Let’s bring to the table for discussion the fact that American history is being revised to the point that, if and when the subject is given attention in the national educational system, it barely resembles the sequence of events that actually transpired. Sometimes what is being omitted is more important than what is presented—especially when the omission includes the very principles that permeated the values of our founding fathers.
My concern is the dereliction of duty. Witnessing the flood of illegal immigrants streaming across our borders—specifically, our southern borders—the federal government, charged with the responsibility to secure those borders, not only fails to do so, but attacks and threatens the states most affected by the failures of the feds! We’re not talking “Oops, we forgot to lock the door” here, folks. We’re talking about a real, known problem that is sucking the resources out of hard-working Americans’ pockets to care for illegals. It isn’t that America doesn’t care—we do care—we have cared, for 235 years, but there is a right way and a wrong way to become a legal part of the American family.
Finally, my concern is the rejection of God. Since before our beginning—read the Mayflower Compact)—God has been a part of this nation. Our forefathers sought God’s guidance and wisdom in making decisions. God was acknowledged, credited for blessing this nation, and His name as well as His Word were a part of almost everything that was built or written.
This is where knowing American history and the Holy Scriptures accurately will destroy the rationale that is being thrust upon us by a liberal politico, media corps, and the likes of the ACLU. The entire world knows that America is in trouble economically, morally, politically, and socially. However, too few Americans have explored why this is the case. It may have little to do with political parties, but it has much to do with the violations of biblical principles—principles once embraced by this great nation.
BTW, do you pray? If so, perhaps after reading the following passage and reflecting on it, you will pray for America—to humble ourselves, to pray, to seek God’s face, to repent, and to once again enjoy the forgiveness and favor of The Almighty.
(2 Timothy 3:1-5 KJV/NLT) This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (NLT) For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
Truly, let us pray!
Dale Peterson 