Kind folks have been sharing an essay I wrote 4 years ago, in which I opined about the future of our nation. In it, I mentioned the natural progression of our land into anarchy or tyranny unless we patriotic Americans stand up for the right. Though time has passed, I still stand by what I wrote–although today I would emphasize the absolute necessity of prayer for a true Christian revival. Please bear with me as I share a couple of thoughts on anarchy and tyranny.
I recently watched a documentary that looked at the hippie/anti-war/psychedelic/”tune-out-and-don’t-trust-anyone-over-30″ generation of the 1960’s and ’70’s. The anarchistic movements of today, with their anger, rejection of traditional values, and often the tendency toward violence if they don’t get their own way, remind me very much of those days. And what happened to the majority of those malcontents? According to the CNN program, they ultimately got jobs and assimilated into the “establishment” they had railed against in their youthful enthusiasm. (They kept their music, however.)
All of which raises the question: where are the jobs today? Where is the hope of the American dream that can lure millennial malcontents into the satisfaction of working hard to support a family, own a home, and make lives better for those who will follow? Home ownership is at a 48-year low, and the number of Americans not working is at an all-time high. We cannot rely on economic realities to draw our people together once more. Something more drastic is needed–and short of a new “Great Awakening” I’m not sure how we will reach the hearts and minds of today’s anarchists.
On the other hand, what can make a President a tyrant? First, strong personal beliefs and goals; second, the inability to achieve those goals through legitimate democratic means; and third, the inability or unwillingness on the part of Congress and courts to restrain and curtail tyrannical actions.
Do either of this year’s major candidates have firmly-held beliefs about what they want for America? Yes. Will Ms. Clinton get the cooperation of a Republican Congress? Will Mr. Trump be any more likely to get their cooperation? No, on both counts. That means that it will be up to Congress to stand against the excesses of the Executive branch. And can we trust the incumbents to take a Constitutional stand next year, when they have refused to do so for the past 4 years?
I have come full circle to my blog from 4 years ago. It is time for us God-fearing, law-abiding, America-loving citizens to study politics and do our job to elect representatives who will protect us from our own leaders.
When Irving Berlin wrote “God Bless America” in 1918, the original words of his prayers asked the Almighty to “…stand beside her and guide her to the right with the Light from above.” May that be our prayer today.
Happy Independence Day!
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