Does Anyone in Get It Anymore?

I have not used the blog to share political opinions, but today will be an exception–an exception which I am considering to make on a monthly basis.  Earlier today, my eye caught an Internet headline that announced “Tea Party Derails GOP Dream.”  I immediately swiveled in my office chair, grabbed a pen and paper, and wrote that down.  Here’s why …

Isn’t the GOP, assuming that means the “leaders” of the Republican Party, supposed to be leading the entire party?  And as a representative form of government, that would also assume a connection between the leaders and those being lead?  My thinking is this–the established GOP appears to be as out of step with America’s grassroots as those they criticize, and that is being reflected because of the grassroots uprising identified as the Tea Party!  Whose dream is this anyway–yours, mine, or ours?  Which leads me to ask, “Does anyone in Washington, D.C. get it?

In Delaware’s close race, the voters chose Christine O’Donnell over Michael Castle.  New Yorkers elected Carl Paladino as their candidate over Rick A. Lazio.  And the word I heard is that the GOP refuses to back those who were elected by the voters.  I guess that identifies whose dream we’re talking about, doesn’t it?  Apparently, it is no longer about the people’s dream, but rather than “establishment’s” dream. 

Uh … does anyone besides me see a tremendous disconnect here?  Isn’t that the same philosophy that is being exercised by the Democrats as they ram through Congress legislation that grassroots America opposes?  And, by the way, one of America’s most memorable speeches (“I Have A Dream,” and spoken from Washington, D.C.) is etched in the minds of Americans because the dream of Martin Luther King Jr. resonated with the dream of many from grassroots America.

The GOP politicos who refuse to back the candidates whom the people elect are being dishonest with America, to my way of thinking–which is as insane as bringing Roger Clemens up on charges for lying to Congress, perhaps the largest collection of “creative-truth-tellers” in the country!  (Don’t misunderstand!  If an individual lies under oath, that should be dealt with–but then again, why is it necessary to be “under oath” in order to tell the truth?)  These men and women seem to promise “the moon” while on the campaign trail, but too many hours inside the Beltway and they forget the promises!  How many times have we heard, “No new taxes!” only to uncover all kinds of hidden taxes?  And don’t even get me started on gun control!

No!  No!  This isn’t really about politics and the media and party affiliation.  Folks, it’s about character (or more appropriately, the lack of it)!  America is clearly fed up with the political sleight of hand that takes place in our nation’s capitol.  And the actions of our current president and congress over the last two years has been no small part of raising the ire of the citizenry.  But how can a populace be so gullible to elect someone who promises such “hope” along with the “change”? 

Clearly, a lack of discernment!  These are times when every American citizen needs discernment.  However, a low-level of character on the part of any nation will not produce discernment.  Good discernment and good character must go hand in hand.  For example, any able-bodied man or woman who refuses to work for a living (a minimum wage job if necessary) and provide for him or herself and the family that is their responsibility will invariably exhibit an entitlement mentality.  I remember a day in America when hard-working Americans were too proud to accept “welfare,” let alone go seeking for all of it they could get.  Many “Americans” have become welfare addicts.  However, people of good character will do right–by themselves and by those around them.

I’m not convinced so much anymore that Washington even understands what “right” is, and if they perchance do, lack the character to simply do what is right.  Let me see if I can help …

RIGHT would be for the federal government to fulfill its responsibility to secure our borders, rather than suing border states who struggle with the negative results of the fed’s dereliction of duty.

RIGHT would be to be honest with mortgage applicants and tell them, “We’re sorry.  Your income will not service this level of debt,” rather than creating federal mechanisms that allow people to “own” homes they cannot afford.

RIGHT would be to acknowledge that “tolerance” is a two-way street in this world and if America is going to allow the Saudis to fund the building of mosques here, then Baptists can also build churches in Saudi Arabia. 

RIGHT would be to say to the nations that American tax dollars have helped to defend and to rebuild in the past, that it’s time they paid their own way and defended themselves for a change.

RIGHT would be to come back to the Second Amendment and allow law-abiding citizens to defend themselves against those who have little if any regard for the laws of the land, rather than the nonsense that is slowly choking our freedoms.  Come on, it’s laughable to think that the deranged individual heading toward the “gun-free zone” will see the sign by the driveway and say to him or herself, “Oh, I can’t go in there with my weapons,” then head back home to deposit them safely there–with ammo in the basement, weapons in the attic, and trigger guards on everything!

RIGHT would be for married politicians to be faithful to their spouses, rather than the unprecedented adultery that gives fodder to a media that thrives on the very things of which we should be ashamed!

I’m reminded of an old “chapel saying” of Dr. Bob Jones, Sr., who died during my freshman year at the university which bore his name:  “Do right!  If the stars fall, do right!”  Where are the men and women of godly character today who are willing to simply do right?!

BTW, do you pray?  If so, knowing that I’ve only scratched the surface of a cesspool of corruption, every one of us who knows the name of God should be calling on Him passionately.  However, it is not enough to pray “God bless America.”  He is a God of principles and precepts, set in motion from eternity past.  One of those is the law of sowing and reaping.  We must give God a reason to bless this nation once again, which will require that we as citizens, and especially Christian-citizens, repent of our wickedness, seek again God Himself, turn from the behaviors that have lowered the character level of a once-great nation, and determine that even if the stars fall, to do what is right.

Oh, and if you haven’t bought my book Leave a Well in the Valley, go to www.dalepeterson.org (my very out-of-date website) and buy a copy now.  I promise, it isn’t political, but it will be encouraging to anyone going through a tough time in life!

Cheers!