We are one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!
America is a Democratic Republic, formed by the U. S. Constitution. The Constitution is the very foundation and framework of the American people. Fidelity to this Constitution is absolutely imperative in order for America to remain a Democratic Republic. Under this Constitution, the power and authority belong to the people. The people empower government, government does not empower the people—government only empowers individuals. Government officials are only elected to serve the people, not to control or rule them. The people of America cannot hand over their power, authority, and responsibilities to the government and expect to continue to be a free Nation.
The people cannot afford to give the government control over their churches, their charities, and their non-profit organizations. Neither can they give government, control over their schools, hospitals, health care, and business operations. Employers need to be encouraged by the people to take care of the welfare of their own employees—to treat them like their family; to provide for their welfare; to reward them for their services; to pay them an honest and fair wage. This responsibility cannot be given to the government in order to control businesses and force them, through taxation, to take care of, not only their employees, but to spread their wealth around to all the people who have less than they do. This will hurt them and their employees. It should be up to the people to determine who is to be taxed and who is not to be taxed—and how much.
Businessmen, and all employers, need to serve their employees, rather than giving exorbitant and unnecessary contributions to politicians. The money that businesses and organizations have contributed to politicians campaigning for public office could have done great good for the employees and services they are responsible to support.
In a Democratic Republic, we cannot force the rich to share their wealth with the less fortunate. We can, however, encourage them to share; to be charitable and generous to the less fortunate. Authentic love cannot be forced. It must be freely given. However, as “a people,” we have a universal responsibility to protect and defend the rights of those who cannot defend themselves—children, the illiterate, the poor, the handicapped, and the marginalized. We have a responsibility to provide for the basic needs and social welfare of those who have none. This is a
responsibility that comes with being a free country—it is the responsibility of the people, not the government.
We must defend the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as the dignity, of every human being in our country—including visitors and immigrants. Immigration laws should respect the dignity and basic human rights and needs of immigrants, both documented and undocumented. However, this does not entitle immigrants to the rights and benefits of citizenship when they are not American citizens. Aliens should not be given benefits that we are not even able to provide for American citizens, in need. Even so, if we truly love all people, we will always show aliens and visitors hospitality. Many Americans were once immigrants. Except for the American Indians, all our ancestors were immigrants. America is a very large country. There is room for every alien who is seeking life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; who wants to make America their home; who is willing to work hard and to be a good citizen. There are churches, non-profit charitable organizations, and individuals who are willing to sponsor them and help them to make a new life. This should not be the responsibility of the government or the tax payer.
We cannot afford to ignore immigration laws, however. At a time when we are at war against terrorism, we need to be especially prudent about immigration laws. Most terrorists and enemies of our country are either legal or illegal aliens. During a time of war, even every American becomes suspect—especially those with power and divided allegiance, politicians and leaders, those known to be anti-American, and those who have been involved in terrorist activities.
While we all have equal dignity and worth, we will never be equal in those things that make us unique individuals, or separate us as individuals and groups. We will always have diversity. We will always be separated by age, sex, health, intelligence, abilities, personalities, education, wealth, material goods, occupations, vocations, opportunities, positions, roles, stature, religious beliefs, rights, and individual responsibility. “Equal rights,” means that everyone shares the same basic human rights, and some of the same civil rights; it does not mean that everyone has all of the same “rights.”
Our Constitution states that “war” is only “just” if it is necessary to “defend” our own borders, and to defend the world, at large—which includes America. Unfortunately, errors in judgment have been consistently made by governments. No government official is God—or incapable of errors of judgment. Errors of judgment are not crimes, however. Deliberate and rash decisions to go to war, motivated by hate, revenge, greed, racism, and ambition are acts of terrorism—a violation of our Constitution—and subject to the law. It takes time for the truth to come out. In some cases, only God can be the judge. The people have a responsibility to choose leaders who are just, honest, loyal to the people and Constitution, moral, and humble servants of the people—of God and Country; leaders with wisdom, knowledge, experience, and integrity. The primary responsibility of our Country is to protect the needs and social welfare of our own people, first, before reaching out to others. We cannot neglect the needs of our own people in order to help other countries, just as parents cannot neglect the needs of their own children in order to help others. (This does not mean that we can never help someone else as long as our children or Country lacks anything—common sense is needed. True virtue is always rewarded). War is never an excuse to bring justice and social reform to other countries. War against terrorism is “just” only when it threatens the preservation of other countries and includes our own Country, and the world, as well. The Constitution of the U.S. does not give Americans authority to spread or proclaim Democracy over all the earth, only to defend it in America.
George Washington, in his “Farewell Address,” had this to say:
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that manclaim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these greatPillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens. The mere Politican, equally with the pious man ought to respect & to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private & public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the Oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure—reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
America was originally a Judeo-Christian Nation. The Constitution was based on the morality of the Ten Commandments and social teaching of Jesus that complimented natural law. “We are one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” People of all cultures, countries, and Religions have found a welcome home in America. They were free to practice their own faith beliefs, and their beliefs were not contrary to the moral code of America. Divine Law is not contrary to natural law—it does not oppose natural law. Natural Law is the same for every human being, regardless of their faith or beliefs. All of the great Religions of the world adhere to a moral code, with only slight variations. It is my understanding that none of these major Religions condone or support abortion, homosexuality, same sex-marriage, divorce, or promiscuity. It is contrary to our Constitution for any government to deny the moral framework of our Constitution and to deny anyone the right to practice their faith, including Jews and Christians—whether they are liberal or conservative. It is contrary to our Constitution to deny the freedom of Religion to anyone. Immorality, however, is not a Religion. Unbelief is not a Religion. Immorality is being forced on believers in the name of freedom, and morality and virtue are presented as forms of discrimination and bigotry.
America is no longer a Judeo-Christian Nation, and that is as it should be. America is a Democratic Republic, made up of many people, religions, races, and cultures. But, a true Democracy cannot exist without the Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, and a common morality that does not deny natural law. Natural Law is an internal design, instilled within every human being by our Creator, that is in harmony with his divine plan for us—whether we want to believe it, or not. Webster gives this definition for natural law: A body of law or a specific principle held to be derived from nature and binding upon human society in the absence of or in addition to positive law. The problem is that many people have attempted to change natural law to fit in with their own biases, opinions, and agendas; and have convinced the masses to accept these changes, as well. Natural law is not dependent on our feelings, emotions, beliefs, or genes. It is dependent on the core of our being, which comes from God.
Separation of Church and State does not mean a separation of government from Christian morality—based on natural law—and from the Freedom of Religion. Slavery cannot exist in a true Democracy. A “caste system” cannot exist in a true Democracy. Vendettas cannot exist in a true Democracy. Dictatorship and Monarchy cannot exist in a Democracy. Communism and certain forms of socialism cannot exist in a Democracy. Terrorism and totalitarianism cannot exist in a true Democracy.
In a world of so much diversity, societies cannot exist without external structures—government, institutions, organizations, law, authority, etc. The same is true with Religion. In a world of so many diverse cultures and conflicting beliefs, Religions also have to have an external structure. Religions are not “democracies.” They have a hierarchy because they differentiate between humans and God. In fact, hierarchy is a part of all life and all structures, but it can have no determination in the equal rights of every human being; of the dignity and worth of every human being. People from other cultures, societies, and Religions had to let go of some values and practices that could not co-exist in a Democracy with our specific moral code, but they were happy to do so because they welcomed the freedom that America offered them. Our freedoms came at a great price. We are not free to be selfish or immoral.
America has been very blessed, over all. We have prospered and have many freedoms—especially the Freedom of Religion and the Freedom of Speech, which are very precious to us. We have never had a dictator or Communistic Government. We have not known or experienced war on our own soil since the Civil War. But, we are on the “razors edge.”
As Americans, we can’t pass laws that make divorce, homosexuality, promiscuity, or war illegal. This will not solve the problems of our culture and society. We also can’t pass laws that make drugs, alcohol, smoking, gambling, or other addictions illegal, without violating the freedom of an individual. If we made all immorality illegal according to the law, every American would probably be serving a prison term. We need to provide programs and options that can enable abstinence and offer healing and moderation for everyone. We also cannot pass laws that promote evil and call it good; laws that deny truth, or diminish morality; laws that condone and encourage evil. We cannot allow these abuses to influence or form our youth. Our youth are not old enough to vote, responsibly; nor are they able to rationally discern between good and evil. The right to vote was intended to be a right of mature citizens who know and understand the Constitution of the United States of America, and the principles upon which it was formed; the rights and freedoms that it was designed to protect. Many people take parts of the Constitution out of context, or use political rhetoric to make it say what they want it to say. This includes some members of the Supreme Court, as well.
Many bad laws have been passed, however, and these laws should be reversed; they violate our freedom and our constitutional rights. In the opinion of many experts on Constitutional Law, the legalization of Abortion is unconstitutional; it denies the right to life to babies who cannot defend themselves. The exclusion of babies in the womb, from humanity, by redefining what constitutes a human being, is unconstitutional. We do not have the authority to redefine natural law. No-fault divorce is unconstitutional, because it violates the rights of some married persons, and their children. Every child deserves to have both, a mother and a father, if possible. The naturalization of homosexuality is unconstitutional, because it redefines natural law, and because it was based on unethical proceedings, research, and studies—making it illegal to even counsel homosexuals for the purpose of rehabilitation, in some quarters. This has resulted in the fact that instead of homosexuality being a condition that one is born with and has no control over, it has become a lifestyle that is a preference and a choice. If everyone really understood the true meaning of love, there would be no divorce, because people would not enter into impossible marriages and relationships; there would be no problem of homosexuality, promiscuity, immorality, or war, because we would teach true values, morals, and justice, and we would provide other options for help, healing, peace, and unity.
Abortion, euthanasia, murder, violence, theft, terrorism, and unethical procedures and experiments, can never be legalized in a Democratic Republic; and must be punishable crimes against justice. The punishment for crime is determined by a judge or jury. Our Justice System has degrees of guilt. Abortion and euthanasia are murder, but that doesn’t mean they are murder in the “first degree.” The judgment given may be determined to be “self defense,” or “second degree murder.” Abortion and euthanasia can never be a “right of the people.”
Abortion, homosexuality, divorce, sexual liberation—promiscuity, suicide and euthanasia are all choices that were presented out of compassion for those who are suffering and marginalized. But, what is the fruit that has come from these choices? When we actually see the harm and suffering that we have caused others because of our pride and arrogance in thinking we know better than God, calling evil good, will we be able to forgive ourselves?
Every woman who has a crisis pregnancy is not emotionally free to make a free choice for abortion. She is not able to be objective, or to make a prudential decision. Those who will be held accountable are the parents, spouses, friends, doctors, educators, advisors, government, and even some priests, who encouraged her to get an abortion; those who told her that it was her right to have an abortion; those who told her that abortion was not evil or a sin; those who told her that the child in her womb was not human; those who told her that she had no other choice; those who forced her to get an abortion. Every woman who has an abortion is wounded for life, affecting her emotionally, mentally, psychologically, spiritually, and even physically. This wound can only be healed by God; by the truth, so that she can receive the mercy and forgiveness of God. Abortion is an intrinsic evil and can only produce more evil. There is insurmountable evidence of this, for those who bother to look for it. Millions of women who have chosen to keep their babies are filled with gratitude, today, and have grown in wisdom and love through their suffering. Thousands of women who have put up their babies for adoption, have grieved their loss and moved on to having more children and no regrets. They have grown in wisdom and love through the sacrifice they had to make.
Every homosexual man or woman that has struggled with their same-sex orientation is not emotionally free to make a free choice for a homosexual lifestyle. They are not able to be objective, or to make a prudential judgment. Those who will be held accountable are the doctors, educators, advisors, perpetrators, government and even some priests, who encouraged them to choose a homosexual lifestyle; those who told them that it was natural; those who told them that it was not evil, or a sin; those who sexually abused them; those who told them that they had no other choice. There is much evidence that shows that those who have embraced a homosexual lifestyle have not been able to mature, emotionally or spiritually, beyond that of an adolescent stage of growth. This makes it difficult for them to maintain a monogamous relationship for very long, or a relationship with sexual fidelity. It has also made many of them vulnerable to a hedonistic lifestyle of drugs, alcohol, orgies, rivalry, jealousy, etc. Thousands of homosexuals have changed their sexual orientation, through prayer and counseling, and are now happily married with families. In addition, thousands of homosexuals have chosen to live a celibate life; as a result they have been filled with peace and joy, and live moral and fruitful lives.
Every man and woman experiencing crisis in their marriage are not emotionally free to make a free choice for divorce. They are not able to make an objective decision or a prudential judgment. Those who will be held accountable are the friends, relatives, lovers, doctors, advisors, counselors, and some priests; those who encouraged or advised them to get a divorce; those who told them that divorce would be the courageous and virtuous choice; those who told them that they would be happier if they got a divorce; those who told them that they would get through it and over it, quickly; those who told them that divorce is a good choice; those who told them that divorce was their best choice. The only ones who can make that choice are the married couple, after a time of separation and healing. Divorce has a devastating affect on the children; and relatives and friends, as well. Thousands of couples have been reconciled, even after a divorce, through counseling and prayer, and have strong and happy marriages today.
Those who are suffering great pain (emotional, physical, or mental) are not free to make a free choice for suicide. They are not able to make an objective decision, or a prudential judgment. Those who have to witness the long suffering of their loved ones are also not free to make an objective decision. They are not able to make a prudential judgment for euthanasia.
No one can deny that all of these evils are also great “crosses,” causing great suffering, for those who have had to endure them. Freedom doesn’t mean that we are free from the clutches of evil. I have dear friends who are homosexual, and have great compassion for those who have a homosexual orientation. I was divorced myself, and I have great compassion for those who have suffered divorce, and difficult, and sometimes impossible, marriages. I have gone through pregnancy due to rape and have great compassion for those who have experienced crisis pregnancies. I have been a single parent and have great compassion for those who must raise children alone. I know what it is like to have a husband who serves his country in the Armed Forces, and has to go to war. I know what it cost him and the family left behind. Freedom is not free! It comes at a great price. Defending our country is not a choice, it is a responsibility.
If we do not protect the rights of our Constitution by insuring that only just laws are passed by the people and our government; if we do not find a way to reverse the Roe vs. Wade decision, we cannot hope to remain a free country. Americans are not aware of the repercussions of a law that redefines marriage to include “same-sex marriage.” It could mean the end of churches in America—the end of all religious freedom. Atheism, New Age Cults, and churches that compromise their beliefs may be the only belief forms that will be legal. The Bible could be banned as a bigoted and discriminative form of propaganda. Churches and religious organizations could lose their tax exemption unless they conform to a new gospel. Christians may be persecuted and even arrested for bigotry and discrimination. (“Catholic Answers” has made a CD, and has a lot of literature, on the repercussions of same-sex marriage—which are already happening in some places). We, the people of America, will be held accountable for putting laws in place that advocate and encourage these behaviors; especially for abortion, euthanasia, and same-sex marriage.
The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, can only be realized in a Democratic Republic; equality, justice, freedom of speech, and freedom of Religion can only be realized in a Democratic Republic. Socialism, Communism, and Totalitarianism can never be options for a Democratic Republic, if we want freedom.
Americans can no longer continue to sit on the fence—they must choose. This is a free choice—it must be a free choice. God is both, prolife and prochoice, but our choice will determine the future of our Nation. Will we continue on the “road to nowhere,” or will we have a moral conversion, come “under” God, and remain a Democratic Republic?
