Let me say up front that I know this will be unpopular. But I can't help the uneasiness that I feel toward law enforcement lately...and I have some good reasons. Gone are the days of Officer Friendly, the neighborhood cop who knows everyone and is looking out for the community's best interest. It seems that lately, police officers end up terrorizing those they are supposed to be serving and protecting. Clearly, not all police are acting this way, but it sure seems the police state is ramping up.
Read more at PJ Media
Read More......
Showing posts with label civil rights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label civil rights. Show all posts
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Jeff Merkley introduces sweeping LGBT rights bill that makes big changes to Civil Rights Act
Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley, who led the fight in the last Senate for a ban on job discrimination against gays, has said for months that he's shifting to a more expansive approach.
On Thursday, Merkley and his allies introduced their new bill, and it is indeed far more sweeping than anything the Oregon Democrat has proposed on gay rights in the past.
Read more at the Oregonian Read More......
On Thursday, Merkley and his allies introduced their new bill, and it is indeed far more sweeping than anything the Oregon Democrat has proposed on gay rights in the past.
Read more at the Oregonian Read More......
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Obama Decries ‘Bogus’ Voter Fraud Complaints
President Obama labeled complaints about voter fraud “bogus” and accused Republicans of cynically trying to prevent Americans from accessing the polls in a fiery speech Friday at a civil rights forum hosted by Al Sharpton. ✧ Obama argued that attempts in some states to impose new voter identification restrictions were actually efforts by Republicans to make “it harder, not easier to vote.” And the president said that while voter fraud should be prevented, it rarely occurred.
Read more at Minutemen News Read More......
Read more at Minutemen News Read More......
Friday, August 9, 2013
Republicans passed the first Civil Rights Act ever, in 1866
Grand Old Partisan, 8/9/2013, by Michael Zak - On this day one hundred and forty-seven years ago, the Republican-controlled 39th Congress enacted the 1866 Civil Rights Act. Nearly unanimously, Republican Representatives and Senators voted to override a veto by the Democrat president, Andrew Johnson. This was the first time Congress overrode a presidential veto of a significant bill. ✧
Senator Lyman Trumbull (R-IL) wrote the 1866 Civil Rights Act, which conferred U.S. citizenship on former slaves and other African-Americans. The law granted African-Americans "full and equal benefit of all laws and proceedings for the security of person and property, as is enjoyed by white citizens." Republicans thereby accorded African-Americans the right to own property, engage in business, sign contracts and file lawsuits. ✧
Also, the 1866 Civil Rights Act contradicted the notorious Dred Scott decision, in which the seven Democrat Justices on the Supreme Court decreed that black people did not have constitutional rights. To prevent Democrats from someday repealing the Act, Republicans later enshrined its provisions as Article I of the 14th Amendment. ✧
Sadly, Democrats defied the 1866 Civil Rights Act and other Republican reforms. Democrat oppression of African-Americans would not be overcome until the 1960's civil rights movement.
Michael Zak is the author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party and blogs as the Grand Old Partisan, celebrating the heritage of the Republican Party. Read More......
Michael Zak is the author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party and blogs as the Grand Old Partisan, celebrating the heritage of the Republican Party. Read More......
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Louisiana State Senator's "Why I Am a Republican" video generating buzz
KSLA TV, June 18, 2013 - Opelousas Senator Elbert Guillory made headlines when he switched from the Democratic Party to Republican in late May as he accepted the "Frederick Douglass" award from the @Large Conference, a group dedicated to recruiting black conservatives. Douglass was a 19th-century abolitionist and a hero to black Americans. ✧ On Sunday, he released a video explaining the move and urging others to join him in "abandoning the government plantation and the party of disappointment."
Read More......
Read More......
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Contentions: Senate Republicans Turn Against SOPA/PIPA
Commentary Magazine/Contentions, 1/18/2012 by Alana Goodman - Today’s [Wednesday's] Internet blackout protesting the SOPA/PIPA bills – which would allow the federal government to shut down accused copyright violators online without due process – is already making an impact. Legislators who support the bills are being barraged with angry phone calls, and this morning Sen. Marco Rubio withdrew his co-sponsorship of the PIPA legislation...
[...]
This comes after six Republican senators sent a letter to Sen. Harry Reid distancing themselves from the bill and asking him to postpone the vote:
[...]
This comes after six Republican senators sent a letter to Sen. Harry Reid distancing themselves from the bill and asking him to postpone the vote:
- “We have increasingly heard from a large number of constituents and other stakeholders with vocal concerns about possible unintended consequences of the proposed legislation, including breaches in cybersecurity, damaging the integrity of the Internet, costly and burdensome litigation, and dilution of First Amendment rights,” said Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) in the letter.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
The Constitution for all Conservatives
Speech given at the Liberty Summit on June 6, 2009 by Craig Myers
Our view of the Constitution determines the success of our constitutional republic. Increasing attacks on the U.S. Constitution and our many state constitutions, remind us of what we are trying to conserve. Our republic was initiated by, "We the people", as the preamble declares, and it is "We" who must protect it. As the Declaration of Independence states, ...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This is why our grassroots campaign for government accountability is mobilizing.
Three points:
Point 1: Can we view the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options?
a. Liberals consider it a "living document" subject to revision.
b. Can inalienable rights be subject to such interpretation?
The focus of the Constitution is to provide the greatest possible liberty for all Americans.
Our founding fathers assumed that rights such as liberty are accompanied with duties and conditions. The Constitution is a contract between Americans and their government describing the rights and privileges of each.
Every political relationship expresses the value system or worldview of the citizens. The foundation of our value system has always been our moral and religious convictions. Among these is the conviction that our rights were given by our Creator, not by men, and are therefore inalienable.
The Declaration states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."
The United States had the first Constitutional Republic in the history of the world. Its foundation was biblical, and its citizens were predominantly Christians. Our republic has largely succeeded, while hundreds of attempts to imitate our system have failed. As our founding fathers repeatedly said,it is not the system of government alone, but also the morality and religion of its citizens that are critical to the success of a constitutional republic.
Liberal elites treat our Constitution as evolving set of values and ideas, merely governing man's relationship with man, and not subject to any higher authority than himself. Wherever this secularization has succeeded, the result has been the same. The Greek, Roman, and all modern utopian ideas of secular state power result in a state run by elites which extend their power and restrict individual liberty. This is the experience of socialist and communist republics.
When our liberal leaders and activist judges treat our Constitution as a living document, the inevitable result is the dismantling of our inalienable rights. The populist excuse for this is that newly discovered rights are being created for special interest groups. However, as George Washington and other founders warned, this always comes at the expense of the general welfare and the principle of equal justice.
The preamble of our Constitution states: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." As we have seen in recent decades, the secular worldview has diminished rather than enhanced every one of the goals established in the preamble. Undermining, rather than promoting the general welfare of all American citizens is a prime example.
Viewing the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options, is like tearing it in half. Ignoring the moral and biblical foundation only leads to its destruction. We cannot preserve the intended benefits of it while violating its foundational principles. That is why this is the strategy of the liberal elites.
Point 2: Why is it important for social and fiscal conservatives to understand, respect, and cooperate with each other?
A. Without such cooperation, can we succeed in elections aimed at conserving our constitutional freedoms?
In Oregon, to succeed with a ballot measure or elect a candidate to statewide office requires a million votes. Neither the social nor fiscal conservatives have such support if they do not act together.
Even though these groups may disagree on a number of issues, they must recognize that the only way to preserve our cherished economic freedoms is through a strong alliance.
Despite their differences, the principles expressed in the preamble to our Constitution must take precedence over all else. Though fiscal conservatives may agree only 70% of the time with social conservatives, the preservation of those freedoms that we all hold dear truly hang upon this coalition. (See the Disclaimer Page on the CO website)
Point 3: A social conservative perspective on the Constitution.
As historically understood, the Constitution is a coherent reflection of biblical teaching on the nature of man, and his relationships with God and his fellow man. (See below) The constitutions of all 50 U.S. states, either in the preamble or body, explicitly recognize or express gratitude to the Almighty God described in scripture.
The US Constitution presumes self-government by its citizens, which requires self-control. This in turn demands general adherence to the eternal laws of liberty and rules of conduct found in the 10 Commandments. The Declaration of Independence expressed it as, "..appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions..."
The Constitution and our other founding documents were written and signed by 250 remarkable men, 95% of whom were devout Christians from various Orthodox denominations. Their writings address the issues faced by every generation including today's. They frequently stated that the morality of America's people would determine the success of our constitutional republic. (See below)
Ultimately, it is not the government that protects the Constitution for the sake of the people. It is the job of the people to protect the Constitution from decay through their moral values, civic virtue, and participation. The nature and quality of our relationships with our fellow citizens results from our relationship with God and our accountability to him.
The notion of government accountability itself stems from our own accountability to God. Our Constitutional freedoms will naturally decay, as we neglect our relationship with the author of those freedoms. This is expressed in the Declaration of Independence as, "...a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence."
Conclusion:
For conservatives to work successfully together, we must understand our differences and recognize that our similarities are far greater. If we ignore the basis of our constitution, it is tempting to try to cherry pick which of our foundational principles to support based on their popularity. This pretends that some moral issues are merely matters of personal preference and have no broader political or eternal importance.
Yet we are now hurtling toward European style socialism because we as a nation have forgotten that it is "In God we trust" not man and man's wisdom. Our view of the Constitution and its biblical foundation is determining the success of our republic.
Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble.
We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the St ate of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction...
Michigan 1908, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty...
New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this...
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2 All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences...
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art.XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man...
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other...
Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...
William Penn
"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."
The following are a few Declarations of Founding Fathers and Early Statesmen.....This list is by no means exhaustive; many other Founders could be included, and even with those who appear below, many additional quotes could be included.
John Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE; DIPLOMAT; ONE OF TWO SIGNERS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
Without religion, this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in polite company: I mean hell.
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia - what a Paradise would this region be!
Samuel Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; "FATHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION"; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . . that the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the holy and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.
Elias Boudinot
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; SIGNED THE PEACE TREATY TO END THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION; FIRST ATTORNEY ADMITTED TO THE U. S. SUPREME COURT BAR; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; DIRECTOR OF THE U. S. MINT
Let us enter on this important business under the idea that we are Christians on whom the eyes of the world are now turned... [L]et us earnestly call and beseech Him, for Christ's sake, to preside in our councils. . . . We can only depend on the all powerful influence of the Spirit of God, Whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore. Therefore I move that some minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning . . . in order to open the meeting with prayer.
Congress, 1854
The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Congress, U. S. House Judiciary Committee, 1854
In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity... That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.
John Dickinson
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE; GENERAL IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
[Governments] could not give the rights essential to happiness... We claim them from a higher source: from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth.
Benjamin Franklin
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; DIPLOMAT; PRINTER; SCIENTIST; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA
As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and His religion as He left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see.
Alexander Hamilton
REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
Hamilton's untimely death halted the formation of a religious society he had proposed. He suggested that it be named the Christian Constitutional Society, and listed two goals for its formation: first, the support of the Christian religion; and second, the support of the Constitution of the United States. This organization was to have numerous clubs throughout each state which would meet regularly and work to elect to office those who reflected the goals of the Christian Constitutional Society.
John Hancock
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement.
Patrick Henry
REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; LEGISLATOR; "THE VOICE OF LIBERTY"; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
Righteousness alone can exalt America as a nation. Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.
The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.
John Jay
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; DIPLOMAT; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; ORIGINAL CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE U. S. SUPREME COURT; GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK
Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.
Thomas Jefferson
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; DIPLOMAT; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA; SECRETARY OF STATE; THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His discourses.
God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift from God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.
James Madison
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECRETARY OF STATE; FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.
Benjamin Rush
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SURGEON GENERAL OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; "FATHER OF AMERICAN MEDICINE"; TREASURER OF THE U. S. MINT; "FATHER OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION"
I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am as satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament.
[T]he only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government is the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible.
George Washington
JUDGE; MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS; COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; "FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY"
You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
Daniel Webster
U. S. SENATOR; SECRETARY OF STATE; "DEFENDER OF THE CONSTITUTION"
[T]he Christian religion - its general principles - must ever be regarded among us as the foundation of civil society.
Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.
[T]o the free and universal reading of the Bible... men [are] much indebted for right views of civil liberty.
William Pitt - the Younger
Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is argument of tyrants. It is the creed of slaves.
Imagine what a blessing it would be if our legislature or Congress truly respected our constitutions. If a majority of such leaders were in office, we would be enjoying a new birth of freedom in this country! Therefore, let all freedom loving prople be charitable, united, and harmonious in our dealings with each other and promote those expressions of conservative values which we share. Remember that these ideas did not originate with any of us and that we are merely sons and daughters of liberty, fighting for their preservation so that our country and our posterity may receive the blessings our forefathers intended.
Sincerely,
Craig Myers
Concerned Oregonians Read More......
Our view of the Constitution determines the success of our constitutional republic. Increasing attacks on the U.S. Constitution and our many state constitutions, remind us of what we are trying to conserve. Our republic was initiated by, "We the people", as the preamble declares, and it is "We" who must protect it. As the Declaration of Independence states, ...governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This is why our grassroots campaign for government accountability is mobilizing.
Three points:
- Can we view the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options?
- Why is it important for social and fiscal conservatives to understand, respect, and cooperate with each other?
- A social conservative perspective on the Constitution
Point 1: Can we view the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options?
a. Liberals consider it a "living document" subject to revision.
b. Can inalienable rights be subject to such interpretation?
The focus of the Constitution is to provide the greatest possible liberty for all Americans.
Our founding fathers assumed that rights such as liberty are accompanied with duties and conditions. The Constitution is a contract between Americans and their government describing the rights and privileges of each.
Every political relationship expresses the value system or worldview of the citizens. The foundation of our value system has always been our moral and religious convictions. Among these is the conviction that our rights were given by our Creator, not by men, and are therefore inalienable.
The Declaration states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."
The United States had the first Constitutional Republic in the history of the world. Its foundation was biblical, and its citizens were predominantly Christians. Our republic has largely succeeded, while hundreds of attempts to imitate our system have failed. As our founding fathers repeatedly said,it is not the system of government alone, but also the morality and religion of its citizens that are critical to the success of a constitutional republic.
Liberal elites treat our Constitution as evolving set of values and ideas, merely governing man's relationship with man, and not subject to any higher authority than himself. Wherever this secularization has succeeded, the result has been the same. The Greek, Roman, and all modern utopian ideas of secular state power result in a state run by elites which extend their power and restrict individual liberty. This is the experience of socialist and communist republics.
When our liberal leaders and activist judges treat our Constitution as a living document, the inevitable result is the dismantling of our inalienable rights. The populist excuse for this is that newly discovered rights are being created for special interest groups. However, as George Washington and other founders warned, this always comes at the expense of the general welfare and the principle of equal justice.
The preamble of our Constitution states: "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." As we have seen in recent decades, the secular worldview has diminished rather than enhanced every one of the goals established in the preamble. Undermining, rather than promoting the general welfare of all American citizens is a prime example.
Viewing the Constitution as an à la carte menu of options, is like tearing it in half. Ignoring the moral and biblical foundation only leads to its destruction. We cannot preserve the intended benefits of it while violating its foundational principles. That is why this is the strategy of the liberal elites.
Point 2: Why is it important for social and fiscal conservatives to understand, respect, and cooperate with each other?
A. Without such cooperation, can we succeed in elections aimed at conserving our constitutional freedoms?
In Oregon, to succeed with a ballot measure or elect a candidate to statewide office requires a million votes. Neither the social nor fiscal conservatives have such support if they do not act together.
Even though these groups may disagree on a number of issues, they must recognize that the only way to preserve our cherished economic freedoms is through a strong alliance.
Despite their differences, the principles expressed in the preamble to our Constitution must take precedence over all else. Though fiscal conservatives may agree only 70% of the time with social conservatives, the preservation of those freedoms that we all hold dear truly hang upon this coalition. (See the Disclaimer Page on the CO website)
Point 3: A social conservative perspective on the Constitution.
As historically understood, the Constitution is a coherent reflection of biblical teaching on the nature of man, and his relationships with God and his fellow man. (See below) The constitutions of all 50 U.S. states, either in the preamble or body, explicitly recognize or express gratitude to the Almighty God described in scripture.
The US Constitution presumes self-government by its citizens, which requires self-control. This in turn demands general adherence to the eternal laws of liberty and rules of conduct found in the 10 Commandments. The Declaration of Independence expressed it as, "..appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions..."
The Constitution and our other founding documents were written and signed by 250 remarkable men, 95% of whom were devout Christians from various Orthodox denominations. Their writings address the issues faced by every generation including today's. They frequently stated that the morality of America's people would determine the success of our constitutional republic. (See below)
Ultimately, it is not the government that protects the Constitution for the sake of the people. It is the job of the people to protect the Constitution from decay through their moral values, civic virtue, and participation. The nature and quality of our relationships with our fellow citizens results from our relationship with God and our accountability to him.
The notion of government accountability itself stems from our own accountability to God. Our Constitutional freedoms will naturally decay, as we neglect our relationship with the author of those freedoms. This is expressed in the Declaration of Independence as, "...a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence."
Conclusion:
For conservatives to work successfully together, we must understand our differences and recognize that our similarities are far greater. If we ignore the basis of our constitution, it is tempting to try to cherry pick which of our foundational principles to support based on their popularity. This pretends that some moral issues are merely matters of personal preference and have no broader political or eternal importance.
Yet we are now hurtling toward European style socialism because we as a nation have forgotten that it is "In God we trust" not man and man's wisdom. Our view of the Constitution and its biblical foundation is determining the success of our republic.
All 50 U.S. state preambles
& Quotes from Founding Fathers
& Quotes from Founding Fathers
Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama, invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.
Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska, grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona, grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas, grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado, with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida, grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble.
We, the people of Georgia, relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.
Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the St ate of Iowa, grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...
Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland, grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction...
Michigan 1908, Preamble
We, the people of the State of Michigan, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...
Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty...
New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We , the people of North Dakota, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this...
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2 All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences...
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance...
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art.XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man...
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI... Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other...
Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...
William Penn
"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants."
The following are a few Declarations of Founding Fathers and Early Statesmen.....This list is by no means exhaustive; many other Founders could be included, and even with those who appear below, many additional quotes could be included.
John Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; JUDGE; DIPLOMAT; ONE OF TWO SIGNERS OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECOND PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.
Without religion, this world would be something not fit to be mentioned in polite company: I mean hell.
Suppose a nation in some distant region should take the Bible for their only law book and every member should regulate his conduct by the precepts there exhibited. . . . What a Eutopia - what a Paradise would this region be!
Samuel Adams
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; "FATHER OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION"; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
I conceive we cannot better express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world . . . that the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the holy and happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.
Elias Boudinot
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; SIGNED THE PEACE TREATY TO END THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION; FIRST ATTORNEY ADMITTED TO THE U. S. SUPREME COURT BAR; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; DIRECTOR OF THE U. S. MINT
Let us enter on this important business under the idea that we are Christians on whom the eyes of the world are now turned... [L]et us earnestly call and beseech Him, for Christ's sake, to preside in our councils. . . . We can only depend on the all powerful influence of the Spirit of God, Whose Divine aid and assistance it becomes us as a Christian people most devoutly to implore. Therefore I move that some minister of the Gospel be requested to attend this Congress every morning . . . in order to open the meeting with prayer.
Congress, 1854
The great, vital, and conservative element in our system is the belief of our people in the pure doctrines and the divine truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Congress, U. S. House Judiciary Committee, 1854
In this age, there can be no substitute for Christianity... That was the religion of the founders of the republic and they expected it to remain the religion of their descendants.
John Dickinson
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA; GOVERNOR OF DELAWARE; GENERAL IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
[Governments] could not give the rights essential to happiness... We claim them from a higher source: from the King of kings, and Lord of all the earth.
Benjamin Franklin
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION; DIPLOMAT; PRINTER; SCIENTIST; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF PENNSYLVANIA
As to Jesus of Nazareth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the system of morals and His religion as He left them to us, the best the world ever saw or is likely to see.
Alexander Hamilton
REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
Hamilton's untimely death halted the formation of a religious society he had proposed. He suggested that it be named the Christian Constitutional Society, and listed two goals for its formation: first, the support of the Christian religion; and second, the support of the Constitution of the United States. This organization was to have numerous clubs throughout each state which would meet regularly and work to elect to office those who reflected the goals of the Christian Constitutional Society.
John Hancock
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS
Sensible of the importance of Christian piety and virtue to the order and happiness of a state, I cannot but earnestly commend to you every measure for their support and encouragement.
Patrick Henry
REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL; LEGISLATOR; "THE VOICE OF LIBERTY"; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA
Righteousness alone can exalt America as a nation. Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.
The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.
John Jay
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS; DIPLOMAT; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; ORIGINAL CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE U. S. SUPREME COURT; GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK
Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation, to select and prefer Christians for their rulers.
Thomas Jefferson
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; DIPLOMAT; GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA; SECRETARY OF STATE; THIRD PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
The practice of morality being necessary for the well being of society, He [God] has taken care to impress its precepts so indelibly on our hearts that they shall not be effaced by the subtleties of our brain. We all agree in the obligation of the moral principles of Jesus and nowhere will they be found delivered in greater purity than in His discourses.
God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are a gift from God? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.
Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.
James Madison
SIGNER OF THE CONSTITUTION; AUTHOR OF THE FEDERALIST PAPERS; FRAMER OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS; SECRETARY OF STATE; FOURTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
We have staked the whole of all our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.
Benjamin Rush
SIGNER OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE; SURGEON GENERAL OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; RATIFIER OF THE U. S. CONSTITUTION; "FATHER OF AMERICAN MEDICINE"; TREASURER OF THE U. S. MINT; "FATHER OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION"
I do not believe that the Constitution was the offspring of inspiration, but I am as satisfied that it is as much the work of a Divine Providence as any of the miracles recorded in the Old and New Testament.
[T]he only means of establishing and perpetuating our republican forms of government is the universal education of our youth in the principles of Christianity by means of the Bible.
George Washington
JUDGE; MEMBER OF THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS; COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE CONTINENTAL ARMY; PRESIDENT OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION; FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES; "FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY"
You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.
While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished character of Christian.
Daniel Webster
U. S. SENATOR; SECRETARY OF STATE; "DEFENDER OF THE CONSTITUTION"
[T]he Christian religion - its general principles - must ever be regarded among us as the foundation of civil society.
Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.
[T]o the free and universal reading of the Bible... men [are] much indebted for right views of civil liberty.
William Pitt - the Younger
Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom. It is argument of tyrants. It is the creed of slaves.
Imagine what a blessing it would be if our legislature or Congress truly respected our constitutions. If a majority of such leaders were in office, we would be enjoying a new birth of freedom in this country! Therefore, let all freedom loving prople be charitable, united, and harmonious in our dealings with each other and promote those expressions of conservative values which we share. Remember that these ideas did not originate with any of us and that we are merely sons and daughters of liberty, fighting for their preservation so that our country and our posterity may receive the blessings our forefathers intended.
Sincerely,
Craig Myers
Concerned Oregonians Read More......
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
"No He Can't" By Anne Wortham
Fellow Americans,
Please know: I am black; I grew up in the segregated South. I did not vote for Barack Obama; I wrote in Ron Paul's name as my choice for president. Most importantly, I am not race conscious. I do not require a black president to know that I am a person of worth, and that life is worth living. I do not require a black president to love the ideal of America.
I cannot join you in your celebration. I feel no elation. There is no smile on my face. I am not jumping with joy. There are no tears of triumph in my eyes. For such emotions and behavior to come from me, I would have to deny all that I know about the requirements of human flourishing and survival - all that I know about the history of the United States of America , all that I know about American race relations, and all that I know about Barack Obama as a politician. I would have to deny the nature of the "change" that Obama asserts has come to America . Most importantly, I would have to abnegate my certain understanding that you have chosen to sprint down the road to serfdom that we have been on for over a century. I would have to pretend that individual liberty has no value for the success of a human life. I would have to evade your rejection of the slender reed of capitalism on which your success and mine depend. I would have to think it somehow rational that 94 percent of the 12 million blacks in this country voted for a man because he looks like them (that blacks are permitted to play the race card), and that they were joined by self-declared "progressive" whites who voted for him because he doesn't look like them. I would have to wipe my mind clean of all that I know about the kind of people who have advised and taught Barack Obama and will fill posts in his administration - political intellectuals like my former colleagues at the Harvard University 's Kennedy School of Government.
I would have to believe that "fairness" is the equivalent of justice. I would have to believe that man who asks me to "go forward in a new spirit of service, in a new service of sacrifice" is speaking in my interest. I would have to accept the premise of a man that economic prosperity comes from the "bottom up," and who arrogantly believes that he can will it into existence by the use of government force. I would have to admire a man who thinks the standard of living of the masses can be improved by destroying the most productive and the generators of wealth.
Finally, Americans, I would have to erase from my consciousness the scene of 125,000 screaming, crying, cheering people in Grant Park, Chicago irrationally chanting "Yes We Can!" Finally, I would have to wipe all memory of all the times I have heard politicians, pundits, journalists, editorialists, bloggers and intellectuals declare that capitalism is dead - and no one, including especially Alan Greenspan, objected to their assumption that the particular version of the anti-capitalistic mentality that they want to replace with their own version of anti-capitalism is anything remotely equivalent to capitalism.
So you have made history, Americans. You and your children have elected a black man to the office of the president of the United States , the wounded giant of the world. The battle between John Wayne and Jane Fonda is over - and that Fonda won. Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern must be very happy men. Jimmie Carter, too. And the Kennedys have at last gotten their Kennedy look-a-like. The self-righteous welfare statists in the suburbs can feel warm moments of satisfaction for having elected a black person. So, toast yourselves: 60s countercultural radicals, 80s yuppies and 90s bourgeois bohemians. Toast yourselves, Black America. Shout your glee Harvard, Princeton , Yale, Duke, Stanford, and Berkeley. You have elected not an individual who is qualified to be president, but a black man who, like the pragmatist Franklin Roosevelt, promises to - Do Something! You now have someone who has picked up the baton of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. But you have also foolishly traded your freedom and mine - what little there is left - for the chance to feel good. There is nothing in me that can share your happy obliviousness.
Anne Wortham is Associate Professor of Sociology at Illinois State University and continuing Visiting Scholar at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. She is a member of the American Sociological Association and the American Philosophical Association. She has been a John M. Olin Foundation Faculty Fellow, and honored as a Distinguished Alumni of the Year by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. In fall 1988 she was one of a select group of intellectuals who were featured in Bill Moyer's television series, "A World of Ideas." The transcript of her conversation with Moyers has been published in his book, A World of Ideas. Dr. Wortham is author of The Other Side of Racism: A Philosophical Study of Black Race Consciousness which analyzes how race consciousness is transformed into political strategies and policy issues. She has published numerous articles on the implications of individual rights for civil rights policy, and is currently writing a book on theories of social and cultural marginality. Recently, she has published articles on the significance of multiculturalism and Afrocentricism in education, the politics of victimization and the social and political impact of political correctness. Shortly after an interview in 2004 she was awarded tenure. Read More......
Please know: I am black; I grew up in the segregated South. I did not vote for Barack Obama; I wrote in Ron Paul's name as my choice for president. Most importantly, I am not race conscious. I do not require a black president to know that I am a person of worth, and that life is worth living. I do not require a black president to love the ideal of America.
I cannot join you in your celebration. I feel no elation. There is no smile on my face. I am not jumping with joy. There are no tears of triumph in my eyes. For such emotions and behavior to come from me, I would have to deny all that I know about the requirements of human flourishing and survival - all that I know about the history of the United States of America , all that I know about American race relations, and all that I know about Barack Obama as a politician. I would have to deny the nature of the "change" that Obama asserts has come to America . Most importantly, I would have to abnegate my certain understanding that you have chosen to sprint down the road to serfdom that we have been on for over a century. I would have to pretend that individual liberty has no value for the success of a human life. I would have to evade your rejection of the slender reed of capitalism on which your success and mine depend. I would have to think it somehow rational that 94 percent of the 12 million blacks in this country voted for a man because he looks like them (that blacks are permitted to play the race card), and that they were joined by self-declared "progressive" whites who voted for him because he doesn't look like them. I would have to wipe my mind clean of all that I know about the kind of people who have advised and taught Barack Obama and will fill posts in his administration - political intellectuals like my former colleagues at the Harvard University 's Kennedy School of Government.
I would have to believe that "fairness" is the equivalent of justice. I would have to believe that man who asks me to "go forward in a new spirit of service, in a new service of sacrifice" is speaking in my interest. I would have to accept the premise of a man that economic prosperity comes from the "bottom up," and who arrogantly believes that he can will it into existence by the use of government force. I would have to admire a man who thinks the standard of living of the masses can be improved by destroying the most productive and the generators of wealth.
Finally, Americans, I would have to erase from my consciousness the scene of 125,000 screaming, crying, cheering people in Grant Park, Chicago irrationally chanting "Yes We Can!" Finally, I would have to wipe all memory of all the times I have heard politicians, pundits, journalists, editorialists, bloggers and intellectuals declare that capitalism is dead - and no one, including especially Alan Greenspan, objected to their assumption that the particular version of the anti-capitalistic mentality that they want to replace with their own version of anti-capitalism is anything remotely equivalent to capitalism.
So you have made history, Americans. You and your children have elected a black man to the office of the president of the United States , the wounded giant of the world. The battle between John Wayne and Jane Fonda is over - and that Fonda won. Eugene McCarthy and George McGovern must be very happy men. Jimmie Carter, too. And the Kennedys have at last gotten their Kennedy look-a-like. The self-righteous welfare statists in the suburbs can feel warm moments of satisfaction for having elected a black person. So, toast yourselves: 60s countercultural radicals, 80s yuppies and 90s bourgeois bohemians. Toast yourselves, Black America. Shout your glee Harvard, Princeton , Yale, Duke, Stanford, and Berkeley. You have elected not an individual who is qualified to be president, but a black man who, like the pragmatist Franklin Roosevelt, promises to - Do Something! You now have someone who has picked up the baton of Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. But you have also foolishly traded your freedom and mine - what little there is left - for the chance to feel good. There is nothing in me that can share your happy obliviousness.
Anne Wortham is Associate Professor of Sociology at Illinois State University and continuing Visiting Scholar at Stanford University's Hoover Institution. She is a member of the American Sociological Association and the American Philosophical Association. She has been a John M. Olin Foundation Faculty Fellow, and honored as a Distinguished Alumni of the Year by the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. In fall 1988 she was one of a select group of intellectuals who were featured in Bill Moyer's television series, "A World of Ideas." The transcript of her conversation with Moyers has been published in his book, A World of Ideas. Dr. Wortham is author of The Other Side of Racism: A Philosophical Study of Black Race Consciousness which analyzes how race consciousness is transformed into political strategies and policy issues. She has published numerous articles on the implications of individual rights for civil rights policy, and is currently writing a book on theories of social and cultural marginality. Recently, she has published articles on the significance of multiculturalism and Afrocentricism in education, the politics of victimization and the social and political impact of political correctness. Shortly after an interview in 2004 she was awarded tenure. Read More......
Sunday, February 1, 2009
LETTER: Remember Republican history
Corvallis Gazette-Times OPINION/Letters, February 1, 2009
"Remember Republican History" by Jeff Limón
Republicans invented the Civil Rights movement. It was the post-Civil War Republicans who pushed the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments (banning slavery, conferring equal protection under the law to the former slaves and giving the former slaves of the right to vote.)
These initiatives were staunchly supported by Republicans and furiously opposed by Democrats. We also pioneered women’s suffrage and were largely responsible for the passage of the 19th amendment.
Yet today, no one dares credit Republicans for these gains. No one remembers that when it came to voting on the Civil Right Act of 1964, a larger percentage of Republicans than Democrats voted “yes” in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. No one mentions that Sen. Robert Byrd, a former Klansman, filibustered against the Civil Rights bill for 14 hours.
I am a Republican because I believe in the fundamental wisdom and intelligence of ordinary people, just as the first Republicans believed that the slaves possessed these qualities, and more.
Lincoln referred to Frederick Douglass as “one of the most meritorious men in all of America.” Lincoln’s successor, Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, used racial slurs to describe Douglass.
Lincoln believed that the former slaves could govern themselves just as Republicans today believe that good government means less government. Johnson believed that if the former slaves governed themselves, they would “descend into barbarism.”
I believe that Lincoln got it right, and I am proud of the Republicans’ contribution to civil rights and to America.
Jeff Limon
Corvallis
Type rest of the post here
Read More......
"Remember Republican History" by Jeff Limón
Republicans invented the Civil Rights movement. It was the post-Civil War Republicans who pushed the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments (banning slavery, conferring equal protection under the law to the former slaves and giving the former slaves of the right to vote.)
These initiatives were staunchly supported by Republicans and furiously opposed by Democrats. We also pioneered women’s suffrage and were largely responsible for the passage of the 19th amendment.
Yet today, no one dares credit Republicans for these gains. No one remembers that when it came to voting on the Civil Right Act of 1964, a larger percentage of Republicans than Democrats voted “yes” in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. No one mentions that Sen. Robert Byrd, a former Klansman, filibustered against the Civil Rights bill for 14 hours.
I am a Republican because I believe in the fundamental wisdom and intelligence of ordinary people, just as the first Republicans believed that the slaves possessed these qualities, and more.
Lincoln referred to Frederick Douglass as “one of the most meritorious men in all of America.” Lincoln’s successor, Andrew Johnson, a Democrat, used racial slurs to describe Douglass.
Lincoln believed that the former slaves could govern themselves just as Republicans today believe that good government means less government. Johnson believed that if the former slaves governed themselves, they would “descend into barbarism.”
I believe that Lincoln got it right, and I am proud of the Republicans’ contribution to civil rights and to America.
Jeff Limon
Corvallis
Type rest of the post here
Read More......
Saturday, December 6, 2008
The Republican Party Abolished Slavery
On this day [December 6th] in 1865, the 13th Amendment -- abolishing slavery -- became part of the U.S. Constitution -- when ratified by three-quarters of the states. Despite protests from the Democrats, the Republican Party made banning slavery part of its national platform in 1864. Senator Lyman Trumbull (R-IL) wrote the final version of the text, combining the proposed wordings of several other Republican congressmen.
All Republicans in Congress voted for the 13th Amendment, while nearly all Democrats voted against it. So strongly did President Abraham Lincoln (R-IL) support the 13th Amendment, he insisted on signing the document, though presidential approval is not part of the amendment process. Outlawing slavery was a Republican achievement.
Hat tip: Michael Zak at Grand Old Partisan blog, each day celebrating 154 years of Republican heroes and heroics. Read More......
All Republicans in Congress voted for the 13th Amendment, while nearly all Democrats voted against it. So strongly did President Abraham Lincoln (R-IL) support the 13th Amendment, he insisted on signing the document, though presidential approval is not part of the amendment process. Outlawing slavery was a Republican achievement.
Hat tip: Michael Zak at Grand Old Partisan blog, each day celebrating 154 years of Republican heroes and heroics. Read More......
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Republicans passed the 1965 Voting Rights Act
From Michael Zak's Grand Old Partisan Blog: On [this day] forty-two[sic] years ago, the 1965 Voting Rights Act was signed into law. Contrary to myth, Republicans supported this law much more than did the Democrats. In the Senate, 94% of Republicans voted in favor, while just 73% of Democrats voted for it. In the U.S. House of Representatives, 82% of Republicans voted in favor, compared to 78% for the Democrats.
Senator Everett Dirksen (R-IL), co-author of the law, helped outmaneuver Democrat opposition: "There has to be a real remedy. There has to be something durable and worthwhile. This cannot go on forever, this denial of the right to vote by ruses and devices and tests and whatever the mind can contrive to either make it very difficult or to make it impossible to vote."
The 1965 Voting Rights Act achieved for African-Americans a major goal of the GOP's Reconstruction Era-civil rights agenda, which the Democrats had blocked a century earlier.
Michael Zak is the author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party. Read More......
Senator Everett Dirksen (R-IL), co-author of the law, helped outmaneuver Democrat opposition: "There has to be a real remedy. There has to be something durable and worthwhile. This cannot go on forever, this denial of the right to vote by ruses and devices and tests and whatever the mind can contrive to either make it very difficult or to make it impossible to vote."
The 1965 Voting Rights Act achieved for African-Americans a major goal of the GOP's Reconstruction Era-civil rights agenda, which the Democrats had blocked a century earlier.
Michael Zak is the author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party. Read More......
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
