Religious Student Groups and their Rights in the Public School System

Bob Heath, from Kids for Christ USA sent me this link today. The Rutherford Institute has compiled a comprehensive report which includes information on:

• Religion in the Public Schools (and so-called “Separation of Church and State”)
• Students’ Free Speech Rights
• Religious Expression at Graduation Ceremonies and Assemblies
• Non-Student Expression on School Property
• Teachers’ Rights in Public Education
• “Zero Tolerance” Policies and School Searches

Read and download the .pdf’s HERE.

 

If You Thought Van Jones Was Bad…

 

While everyone was distracted by the health care debate, the 912 DC Rally and the expose of ACORN. The Obamanation crew slipped in another radical.

While some pundits have cherry picked the writings of this individual, it is more interesting to read the full quotes. This new Czar shows himself to be an above average double speak academic. While some of his fan club down play the influence he could bring to bear in his new position, most agree that he is intelligent and well written.

The most dangerous proposal by this man is a “Second Bill of Rights” as advocated by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944.

While on the surface these look like lofty ideals, below the surface they are linked directly to the history of socialized nations. They are programs that have failed not because they were bad ideas but because the people implementing them had a lust for power and control, sort of like the Obama Administration.

Let’s take a deeper look.

The right of a job. Questions to ask are: Can we force private business to hire workers that they don’t need? If private enterprise doesn’t provide the jobs, who does? Isn’t our Government large enough already? Conservation Corps, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, National Security Force; any of these ring a bell?

The right to earn in order to provide “adequate” food, clothing and recreation. Who determines what is adequate? The government is already over taxing things they feel we shouldn’t have, now they want to tax soda, and snacks. Bread lines anyone? Clothing? Will the government be able to tell us what to wear? How about Mao pajamas for everyone? That will help us achieve a classless society, but then what would Michelle do about her kicks? or her haute couture? The Constitution gives us the right to work at a job of our choice. Its up to the individual to apply themselves. Recreation? I recreate by going to the target range, but I am betting this will not be “approved” recreation.

The right of every farmer to raise and sell his products at a return which will give him and his family a decent living. Will they do away with zoning laws? Eminent domain? Intrusive EPA, OSHA, and Dept of Agriculture regulations? Nope, but they do plan on increasing these rules. Can you say communes and collectives?

The right of every businessman, large and small, to trade in an atmosphere of freedom from unfair competition and domination by monopolies at home or abroad.  I thought this was the purpose of DOT and the FTC. What constitutes unfair competition? Is Walmart unfair because they can negotiate better prices? Just because Union wages increase prices and a small business owner can do the job cheaper should we be forced to buy Union? Too late on this one Obama has decreed that all Federal contracts will go to Unions. Spend more money for a shoddier product. Go buy a Yugo or Russian toilet paper now so you can get used to it.

The right of every family to a decent home.  This worked well in Russian and East Germany. The government took homes and subdivided them then assigned them to the have not’s. Housing was assigned based on job and party position. Notice that nothing is said about singles because they are expected to remain with mom and dad. Subsidized Government housing has worked well here also. Within months of admitting Section 8 residents most complexes were uninhabitable. Let’s make the whole country into a ghetto.

The right to adequate medical care and the opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health.  Adequate health care? Again who decides? Since Obama care is based on cost analysis treatment how will they avoid “death panels”? We already have a system in place that enables hard working people to find a job that offers superior health care. The current system isn’t perfect and does need some tweaking, but mostly it needs government to butt out.

The right to adequate protection from the economic fears of old age, sickness, accident, and unemployment.  Interesting a life without worry, a life with stress, a utopian existence. If this was possible why did God create Heaven? He could have just let us all live here for eternity. Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, retirement funds, 401(k)s, oops scratch that Obama also wants to take over all retirement funds and have the Government run them.

The right to a good education.  Foreigners send their children to our institutes of higher learning. Our primary education system is bogged down with teaching tests and stifling free thought. Our schools have become day prisons under past Democratic (the party not the idea) legislation. Students are being indoctrinated into socialism, homosexuality, radicalism, and political correction. Christianity is being besieged as are American ideals, history and civics. If the Federal Government really wants to improve education they should repeal all their current laws. 

In addition this new Czar feels that the internet is weakening democracy because it cuts the user off from any information that might challenge their beliefs. A controlled one sided media is what this imbecile advocates, sort of like what we have now except for cable news from Fox.

Now that we see this man’s plan we must compare it to Obama’s. It is obviously the same goal. The ruination and destruction of America as we know it, and as the founding fathers envisioned it. Who is this danger?

Cass R. Sunstein,Regulatory Czar, confirmed by the Senate on September 10, 2009 in a 57-40 vote.

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Ghost Ranger, Tex’s first novel, is now available on Lulu and Amazon.

 

 

 

 

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In God Government We Trust…

 

First I must make a few things perfectly clear. I love America. I have traveled to over 25 countries and I have resided in five as part of my employment with the Government.

Second, I am a veteran. I took an oath to defend this Country from all enemies, foreign and domestic. I also took an oath to protect and serve.

I never took any oath that said My Government, right or wrong. I never took an oath that required me to follow blindly. Why has been and always be a part of my vocabulary!

Thirdly, I am not affiliated with any party. I used to be a Democrat and served that party in a State office. I broke with the Democrats a long time ago. The nature of my work prevented me from being politically active and I ignored politics except when it came time for me to vote. I believe in the Constitution and small government and a Higher Power.

That being said, I make the following declaration:

I do NOT trust our Government. I didn’t trust it under LBJ, Nixon, Ford,  Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, Clinton, Bush 43, and I sure don’t trust it under Barack Hussein Obama.

Reagan and Bush 41 were probably the most trustworthy but I was and am always leery.  Bush 43 I respected his views and his loyalty but I distrusted a lot of his advisors. I rarely agree with every thing that our Government does. I distrust all politicians, most lawyers, doctors, and preachers. People have to earn my trust.

It saddens me to see the people of America becoming lemmings. My parents and grandparents instilled within me a sense of self-reliance and independence. They also instilled a strong sense of patriotism and service.

I am disturbed by my visions of trusting, smiling Americans lining up with US Flag patches (instead of the Star of David) sewn to their shirts, marching headlong into concrete brick buildings with “green” chimneys and not coming out. Multitudes who have turned total control of their lives over to the Government… because they trust blindly and are enthralled with a cult of personality.

White House control of interrogations

On Facebook, MySpace? Obama’s got your e-mail

Health care reform means more power for the IRS

Be afraid, Be very afraid.

Stay Informed and Stay Free.

Identifying an American (for would be killers)

There are people in the world that don’t like Americans. There are people in the world that want to kill Americans. This film is designed to help those would be killers identify an American. So they know exactly what an American is.

To Kill an American

 

UPDATE: ACLU Tries to Intimidate Sally Kern over the Oklahoma Citizens’ Proclamation for Morality

UPDATE 07/11/09: Rep. Sally Kern reports that the ACLU of Oklahoma is now trying to intimidate her, regarding state resources being used for the Oklahoma Citizens’ Proclamation for Morality:

Rep. Sally Kern has been contacted by the Oklahoma Chapter of the A.C.L.U. requesting information about state resources being used for the Oklahoma Citizen’s Proclamation for Morality to the proclamation

As an elected official, Rep. Kern has the House resources at her disposal to use to inform her constituents as to her policy positions and issues that affect them. There are numerous legislators all across the country whose political beliefs are influence by their religious beliefs.

A poll by Cole Hargrave Snodgrass taken about four years ago showed that Oklahoma has the highest percentage of church attendees in the nation.  Oklahoma’s people by and large are a religious people.  They are concerned about the economy and our nation’s morals.  Rep. Kern’s Oklahoma Citizen’s Proclamation for Morality was a statement calling on those in Oklahoma who are concerned for their state and nation to take a stand.

And now the ACLU is attempting to silence Rep. Kern’s voice.

Also see: This Nation will Self Destruct In… by Kristin Estes of The Hard Truth

UPDATE 07/02/09: Following is video from the press conference. For more information, see Michael McNutt’s report on The Oklahoman.

 

UPDATE 06/30/09: There is now a petition for a National version of this, HERE. Also, Oklahomans who are not able to make it to the Courthouse on Thursday can sign the petition online HERE.

ORIGINAL POST, 06/30/09: The following proclamation, authored by OK State Rep. Sally Kern, will be signed by religious leaders, elected officials, and citizens of Oklahoma at noon on Thursday, July 2, 2009 on the steps of the Capitol in Oklahoma City:

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We the People of Oklahoma,Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessing of Liberty; to secure just and rightful Government; to promote our mutual Welfare and Happiness, do establish this proclamation and call upon the people of the great State of Oklahoma, and our fellow Patriots in these United States of America who look to the Lord for guidance, to acknowledge the need for a national awakening of righteousness in our land.

WHEREAS, “It is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand” (John Adams); and

WHEREAS, “We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by Religion and Morality” (John Adams); and

WHEREAS, “Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people” (John Adams); and

WHEREAS, “We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government…but 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” (James Madison); and

WHEREAS, “Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God (Benjamin Franklin); and

WHEREAS, “God who gave us life gave us liberty and can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the Gift of God” (Thomas Jefferson); and

WHEREAS, “Whether any free government can be permanent, where the public worship of God, and the support of Religion, constitute no part of the policy or duty of the state” (Joseph Story); and

WHEREAS, “We hold sacred the rights of conscience, and promise to the people…the free and undisturbed exercise of their religion” (Roger Sherman); and

WHEREAS, “This great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians” (Patrick Henry); and

WHEREAS, “When you…exercise the right of voting for public officers, let it be impressed upon your mind that God commands you to choose just men who will rule in the fear of God” (Noah Webster); and

WHEREAS, “The principles of genuine Liberty and of wise laws and administrations are to be drawn from the Bible” (Noah Webster); and

WHEREAS, the people of Oklahoma have a strong tradition of reliance upon the Creator of the Universe; and

WHEREAS, we believe our economic woes are consequences of our greater national moral crisis; and

WHEREAS, this nation has become a world leader in promoting abortion, pornography, same sex marriage, sex trafficking, divorce, illegitimate births, child abuse, and many other forms of debauchery; and

WHEREAS, alarmed that the Government of the United States of America is forsaking the rich Christian heritage upon which this nation was built; and

WHEREAS, grieved that the Office of the president of these United States has refused to uphold the long held tradition of past presidents in giving recognition to our National Day of Prayer; and

WHEREAS, deeply disturbed that the Office of the president of these United States disregards the biblical admonitions to live clean and pure lives by proclaiming an entire month to an immoral behavior;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we the undersigned elected officials of the people of Oklahoma, religious leaders and citizens of the State of Oklahoma, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world, solemnly declare that the HOPE of the great State of Oklahoma and of these United States, rests upon the Principles of Religion and Morality as put forth in the HOLY BIBLE; and

BE IT RESOLVED that we, the undersigned, believers in the One True God and His only Son, call upon all to join with us in recognizing that “Blessed is the Nation whose God is the Lord,” and humbly implore all who love Truth and Virtue to live above reproach in the sight of God and man with a firm reliance on the leadership and protection of Almighty God; and

BE IT RESOLVED that we, the undersigned, humbly call upon Holy God, our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer, to have mercy on this nation, to stay His hand of judgment, and grant a national awakening of righteousness and Christian renewal as we repent of our great sin.

Signed on the second day of July in the year of our Lord Christ Two Thousand and Nine.

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Providential Declaration

(Updated 07/10/09 from a previous article, most recently published 03/02/08 )

Political and social secularists have used the absence of certain Christian terms in our nation’s Founding Documents to support their agenda. These humanists suggest regardless of the Founders’ personal beliefs, they sought to form a government founded on more “enlightened,” secular principals, which reject religion as superstition. (For more information on secularism, see www.secularhumanism.org.)

The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, progressives note, do not contain terms such as: Jesus Christ, the Ten Commandments, the Bible, or a Christian Republic. This, they postulate, is evidence the original intent of the Founders was to form a secular society and government, rather than one founded on Christian doctrine and principles. They concede there are references to a supreme being, such as Creator, and Providence, but claim these terms are general terms, non-specific to a particular religion.

Well…not so fast!

It has traditionally been common throughout Christianity to refer to God and to Jesus Christ, rather than by name, by describing the way He is affecting one’s life at the moment. There are many different names for Jesus, such as Savior, Shepherd, The Word, and Divine Providence. John Wesley, a Christian minister very influential in both England and America, and the founder of modern-day Methodism, routinely referred to Christ as Divine Providence relative to man’s need to exercise faith and obedience to God’s Will. This term was common among Christians in the 17th and 18th centuries, and was used by the Founders in the Declaration of Independence:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

Was this a general term for a supreme being, non-specific to any particular religion? Let’s pause and go back – way back. Back before the Puritans sailed to North America to escape the Age of Enlightenment, before the Protestants protested, and before there was a Church to be kept separate from the state…even back about 4,000 years before Jesus was born. Around 6,000 years ago, the birth of Jesus Christ was the manifestation of God to man, was prophesied to Abraham in a very dramatic illustration of sacrifice and atonement. Because of Abraham’s unquestioning faith and obedience to God, it was prophesied the Messiah of the world would be his descendant. In gratitude for God’s provision of both an immediate sacrifice for his own sins, and God’s eventual sacrifice for the sins of the human race, Abraham referred to God as Jehova Jireh, (Genesis 22:1-14) which roughly translates into modern English, as The Lord will Provide or Divine Providence.

The Founders chose the name Divine Providence for a reason. They believed they were fulfilling the Will of God in forming this new government. This name expressed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and gratitude for His guidance, direction, and protection in the formation of this new government.

 

CEAI Versus ACLU: David Versus Goliath

The following is from Christian Educators Association International:

Christian Educators Association International has filed a motion to intervene in a lawsuit filed earlier this year by the ACLU against the Santa Rosa County School District in Florida.

“We are David facing a Goliath. The ACLU is engaged in a well-financed, systematic campaign to intimidate Christian educators across the nation. We feel this case is so important that we must take a stand,” says Finn Laursen, Executive Director of CEAI.

The ACLU charged that some teachers and administrators in the Florida district were actively endorsing religion. The school district attempted to settle the suit by joining with the ACLU in a consent decree that essentially bans all employees from engaging in prayer or religious activities, whether before, during, or after school hours.

The ACLU-authored consent decree defines prayer, school events, and school officials in such a way that employees who bow their head or fold their hands, pray over meals during lunch, or voice agreement with another in religious discussion at any time on school property or at any school event, can be found in contempt of court. It specifies that when individuals or community groups use school facilities for after- school religious events, no district employee, even on his or her own private time, may participate or communicate agreement in any prayer or religious discourse.

“The consent decree is so broad that it unconstitutionally infringes on the rights of teachers, administrators, and students,” says Laursen. “Our particular interest is that it violates the free speech and free exercise rights of CEAI members, both in their capacities as employees of the school board and as private citizens. The order also forces CEAI members to infringe upon the rights of students and others. CEAI will support its members employed by the Santa Rosa County School Board who are opposed to the unconstitutional consent order.”

“As a professional association for Christian educators founded in 1953, we have historically encouraged our members by informing them that they do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse door. We have consistently clarified in print, through technology, and in workshops and seminars across the country what courts have always held, that schools are not religion free zones. We have corrected the misconception that prayer has been banned from public schools and that teachers are limited in their religious expression on their own time.”

“If we just sit by and allow constitutional religious freedoms to be bullied out of public schools, we will end up surrendering them all together. We are not willing to sit by and see this happen in Santa Rosa County.”

CEAI is represented in the case by Liberty Counsel.

 

Religious Citizens Targeted in Alameda, CA for ‘Intolerable’ Views

Karen England, Executive Director of the Capitol Resource Institute in California, writes:

The intolerance against those with religious or traditional moral views is reaching new lows and no where is that clearer than Alameda.

On Tuesday evening the school board in the Bay Area city voted 3-2 to approve curriculum promoting homosexuality to kindergartners, despite vehement and overwhelming opposition from the community. Promoters of the curriculum are so bent on indoctrinating students that they refused a parental op- out provision, even though parents plead for the board to respect their right to protect their children.

“Polling CRI conducted in the city found that over half of city residents opposed the curriculum,” stated Karen England, executive director of CRI. “Even many of those who did support the curriculum still favored a parental opt-out.”

England was present at the last three meetings of the school board after parents contacted CRI’s office and asked for help in stopping the curriculum’s adoption. A veteran of advocating for parental rights at the school board level, England testified on behalf of parents at two of the meetings.

“At this week’s meeting, I heard one of the most outrageous and alarming things I’ve ever heard at any meeting,” commented England. “Alameda school board vice president Ron Mooney actually told parents that the school board will provide no protections for one of the state-mandated protected classes: the religious.”

During the meeting Mooney responded to a question about whether religious students would be respected for disagreeing with the curriculum, he responded that they may disagree, but only at home; they may not carry those views into the classroom.

Placing himself as the arbiter of what is acceptable morality for all people in his district, Mooney asserted that he saw nothing wrong with homosexuality. The general tenor of Mooney and his peers’ remarks reveals that they are themselves intolerant of those with religious beliefs. They knowingly voted for a biased curriculum that specifically excludes religion, turning a deaf ear to the parents who presented cases of religious intolerance in the school district.

Many supporters of the curriculum called opponents bigots and homophobes, engaging in the very name- calling they claim to want to end in their schools. Some even cited religion as the greatest hindrance to stopping bullying and fostering tolerance.

“There is clearly religious bigotry in this district, but it’s not coming from the parents opposing this curriculum- it’s coming directly from the intolerant members of the school board,” explained England. “The board is targeting people of faith, as evidenced by the vice president’s bigoted remarks. Mr. Mooney’s unprofessional behavior gives license to those who engage in the name-calling and bullying parents experienced at these meetings.”

Alameda parents outraged by the complete disregard for the input are discussing how to move forward and hold their elected officials accountable.

Also see:

• Contact the Members of the ASUD Board of Education
• Alameda School District Forces Gay Curriculum
• As California Goes…Alameda, CA needs to hear the clear opposition of people with traditional values.
• ‘Equality for All Children’ Curriculum (Copy)
• San Diego says No Bible Study at Home
• What Happened to the New England Primer and a Slateboard?

 

So, where’s Obama on our National Day of Prayer?

According to the National Day of Prayer Task Force:

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. Our Task Force is a privately funded organization whose purpose is to encourage participation on the National Day of Prayer. It exists to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, to create appropriate materials, and to mobilize the Christian community to intercede for America’s leaders and its families. The Task Force represents a Judeo Christian expression of the national observance, based on our understanding that this country was birthed in prayer and in reverence for the God of the Bible.

[...]

History Summary

1775 – The first Continental Congress called for a National Day of Prayer
1863 – Abraham Lincoln called for such a day.
1952 – Congress established NDP as an annual event by a joint resolution, signed into law by President Truman (82-324)
1988 – The law was amended and signed by President Reagan, designating the NDP as the first Thursday in May (100-307).

Fun Facts

1. The President of the United States has called for a National Day of Prayer every year since 1975.
2. There have been 134 national calls to prayer, humiliation, fasting and thanksgiving by the President of the United States (1789-2008).
3. There have been 56 Presidential Proclamations for a “National Day of Prayer” (1952-2008).
4. Gerald Ford (1976) and George H. Bush (1989-91) are the only U.S. Presidents to sign two National Day of Prayer Proclamations in the same year.

(More History)

So, what about our current President?

According to Gary Cass, of the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission, Obama is choosing to keep his faith “in the closet.” While Dr. Cass commends the President for asking a federal court in Wisconsin to dismiss an attempt by the Freedom from Religion Foundation to abolish the day under the guise of “separation of church and state,” he reports that that:

[Obama will] spend time alone in prayer, rather than publically gathering together with other leaders as many Presidents have done in the past. Private prayer is commendable, but as President his public example, or lack thereof, is very significant.

Obama’s self-proclaimed “devout Christian faith” has been relatively unseen since his campaign. He has not begun attending a church regularly. He forbids Christian symbols to be present at any Presidential event, even if it is in a Christian facility like Georgetown University. In an unprecedented move, Obama censors any reference to Jesus Christ in prayers offered at a Presidential event.

President Obama shocked the world when he said on his recent trip to Muslim Turkey that America is not a Christian country. Even as he shuns all Christian symbols and practices from his Presidency, in April the White House hosted a Passover Seder. This was the first time a President has hosted this Jewish religious meal. Obama was raised by his grandparents as a Universalist in which all religions are merged into a confused collection of conflicting ideas.

So it seems that while Obama is comfortable inviting and celebrating the religions of others, his “own” Christian faith he continues to shun, deny and displace within his Presidency. Makes you wonder why he would try to make his “Christian” faith such an important campaign issue when in fact his example shows that he is just a good Universalist.

(Hat-Tip GoodNewsDaily.net)

Y.U. Prez: ‘Are we a Christian Nation?’

From Dr. Richard Bishirjian, of Yorktown University, and Don’t Quit U:

Yesterday our BASP President told the Turkish People that America is not a Christian nation. What is a BASP and is America a Christian nation?

In the early days of William F. Buckley’s editorship of National Review that journal featured essays by a delightful group of intellectuals that Buckley collected from the cream of the conservative crop. One of them was an Austrian Catholic, Erik Ritter von Kuehnnelt Leddihn. In addition to writing books and regular columns in National Review, Erik von Kuehnnelt Leddihn would tour America giving lectures on college campuses. I attended one of his lectures during a time of racial turbulence in the United States in which he observed that America doesn’t have a race problem, America has a Black Anglo Saxon Problem. (BASP)

He perceived that the clamor for equal rights of Black Americans had a uniquely Christian and Anglo Saxon cast reflecting the religious and legal traditions of Anglo Saxon England. Yes, when the Constitution was framed the Founders decided against having an Established Church like the Church of England, but virtually all were shaped by the Protestant Reformation, the religious impulse that motivated the early English settlers, and the Founders understood that the American people reflected Protestant Christianity in all its many forms. America was—and is—a Christian nation, and when Americans of any race express their grievances, we do so in terms of that tradition and the English political and philosophic tradition…Continue reading on Don’t Quit U. >>

Also see Obama: We’re not a Christian Nation (Video) on RightBias.com:

 

The Second American Revolution

Thomas Paine, author of “Common Sense,” returns to modern times to pleas for a second revolution to take back America, Now!

 

Religious Hostility on Display at U.S. Capitol

Today, the U.S. Capitol unveiled what one congressman has called a “$600 million godless pit,” a palatial underground visitors’ center which is at the heart of an ongoing debate over the place of America’s religious heritage in the nation’s capital. Not only does the basement of the House and Senate’s home have new galleries, theaters, and gift shops, but, as 108 congressmen rightly argue, it should also include an honest and complete portrayal of America’s religious roots.

Initially, planners had scrubbed references to “In God We Trust,” the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Founders’ faith. The Architect of the Capitol, who is responsible for the renovations, came under fire from the building’s own residents, the U.S. Congress, for omitting such basic references to the Almighty. Although some of the concerns were addressed before the center opened this afternoon, dozens of leaders and organizations like FRC are still troubled by the politically correct nature of the exhibits, which are historically incorrect.

Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.) and Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) have been the most vocal opponents of this spiritual “whitewashing” of America’s most recognizable symbol. A last-minute plaster job tries, poorly, to hide the inaccurate reference to “E Pluribus Unum” as our national motto (”In God We Trust” was established by Congress as the national motto in 1956). Even the U.S. Constitution is said to be grossly misrepresented in the exhibit. As the Heritage Foundation’s Matt Spalding writes, the excerpts on display are a “temple to liberals’ ‘living Constitution.’”

We join the chorus of citizens, who, as patrons of this Visitors Center, demand fidelity to the Founders and a more accurate portrayal of the important role of faith in American life. To help sound the alarm, contact your congressmen and ask them to restore Christianity to its place of prominence in the U.S. Capitol.

Additional Resources
Contact Your Elected Officials

Thanksgiving Tribute (Updates All Week)

Following is a collection of great thanksgiving posts, which will be updated all week. (Newer additions at the bottom):

• David Barton: Celebrating Thanksgiving in America
• Don’t Quit U. (Yorktown University): Podcast November 24th – The Meaning of Thanksgiving
• Newt Gingrich: What Every Child Should Know About Thanksgiving
• Rush Limbaugh: The Real Story of Thanksgiving (Transcript and Podcast)
• Michelle Malkin: Giving thanks for self-reliant Americans
• Robert Spencer: Be Thankful that You are Free
• Maggie Thornton: Slaughtering the Eagle: Change we Wanted???
• The New Conservative: The War on Thanksgiving!?!
• Tom McLaoughlin: Thanks to Whom?

 

(If you have a link you think should be included in this list, please post it in the comments section, and we’ll do our best to get them all linked in the post.)

 

Economic Serfdom

America is facing a 1929 style depression and it did not happen simply because the stock market crashed, the grossly inflated real estate market imploded and financial industry fell into the credit market black hole it had created for itself. The signs had been there for a long time. Every American airline of any size was operating in or just out of bankruptcy. American manufacturing jobs were streaming out of the country leaving no blue collar wage base to support the economy. American auto manufacturers were operating at or near bankruptcy before this all happened. And, America’s energy needs and energy policy simply could not be balanced without shipping much of the accumulated wealth of generations to foreign powers.

A few years ago, I taught a Bible study for Christian CEO’s. I used Larry Burkett’s Business by the Book as my textbook. I tried to teach them, among other things, that you have to pay your employees a living wage, not only because the Bible says so, but also because your employees and your fellow businessmen’s employees are the primary market for your own goods and services. If they can’t afford them then you have no market to sell to.

But, I could not disabuse these otherwise very smart executives of some very shortsighted attitudes toward their employees. Blinded by the short term numbers, many simply could not see that the GOP international free trade scheme could not work in the long run because there are other countries in the system that will not play by the rules. They will use slave or near slave labor to create cheap products to sell into your market while protecting their own. And, if you let them, they will even outsource your best service jobs and ship their unemployment problems to you to compete for the few remaining domestic jobs in your country.

Henry Ford was a controversial character. Sometimes on some issues he was just dead wrong. But, he understood the power and magic of the American economy better than any many living or dead to date. When his company was faced with a union problem and hot competition he took an unusual step. In a day when the average wage was less than three dollars per day he raised that of his workers to five. In a day when the average worker worked twelve hours per day he cut his workers workday to eight and ran three shifts around the clock to make up the difference. And, instead of continually raising prices on his product he continually strove to improve quality while lower price. The result was the American economic miracle that gave us the golden age of industrialism.

Henry Ford’s strategy worked because it was Biblically sound. He did not muzzle his ox and he treated his workers with economic respect. The result was that he created his own domestic market for his products and started the nation down a path toward the highest average standard of living on earth.

The American economy is a pyramid. The base of the pyramid is industrial workers. We no longer have that base. America imports its products now instead of making them. So, instead of investing in ourselves and our neighbors, we are supporting the base of other nation’s economies. Until American capital learns that the guy at the bottom of the pyramid is also the foundation of it, we are going to continue to enrich other nations while squandering decades of accumulated national wealth abroad.

The current American economic system is recipe for tyranny. As American jobs continue to be shipped abroad, chasing the lowest wages, the entire market for American and everyone else’s goods shrinks in America. We have been able to finance this imbalance until recently by spending the accumulated wealth of generations. But, that source of funds is now dry and the American lifestyle within one generation will look a lot like that of the nations we have shipped our jobs to. A few people will have become fabulously wealthy and the rest of the population will have become economic serfs.