Desultory Thoughts
Do We Know What We Have?
Yes, July 4th is among us, and what a glorious celebration it is! Why? Because we get to enjoy the fruits—the benefits— which were produced by the labor of the many who worked on our behalf all those years ago. They weren’t paid to do this. They weren’t given hand-outs. In fact, they weren’t really given much at all. They—the people— were the ones who gave. What did they give? Whatever was necessary to obtain the freedom we have in this country today. For we will never truly know—except from what we can read—what these men and women had to endure. And what better way to accentuate this, than with the following few passages taken from a rousing speech by a man who certainly understood what was at stake—only a year before The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. His name was Patrick Henry. And though you may very well know of his famous speech, imagine yourself, if you will, standing among the many who were listening to what this great man had to say, while you read the following quotes:
“This is no time for ceremony. The question before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country. Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the majesty of heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.”
-May we NEVER hold back our substantial opinions due to fear of offense! Moving on…
“We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.”
-We must remain humble and continue to pray that we never walk with blinders upon our eyes—and if we do become blinded, many we be willing to change when we are confronted with the Truth!
Last, but certainly not least, the final passage from Patrick Henry’s famous speech...
“It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, “Peace, Peace”—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
In closing, let us never take for granted that which we now have because of the many who, literally, and willingly, gave of themselves; and not material things, but their very lives. Their hope became our future. Their striving gave us rest. And through their losses, we gained freedom. A Freedom that can certainly be taken away—if we allow it!
Have a fantastic, and patriotic, 4th of July! And if ever this freedom we celebrate be taken away, don’t ever forget that there is a freedom that can never be taken away; that being, the freedom that is in Christ Jesus. It is this freedom that we celebrate every day!
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-By Kenneth Burns July 3, 2021
BORDER INVASION
There is certainly no doubt that our country is being invaded by illegal immigrants. Sadly, the left goes above and beyond to dilute the severity of what is happening by pulling on the “heart strings” of the American people, mostly through the media and the redefining of words. I mean, what else would you call this influx of people flooding our southern border? By definition, an invasion is as follows: an incursion by large number of people or things into a place or sphere of activity; an unwelcome intrusion into another’s domain. Another definition puts it this way, incursion of an army for conquest or plunder. 2: the incoming or spread of something usually hurtful. By definition, this is exactly what is occurring at our border; and yes, despite what the “left” has told us, it is absolutely, without question, happening under this, current, administration—period! Anyone with their eyes open can see this, if they are honest; however, honesty seems to be scarce these days, especially from these so-called “honest” journalists in the media.
So, what does our constitution say about protecting our borders? Article 4, section 4 of our Constitution says this: The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened)against domestic Violence. Of course, I, and hopefully you as well, appreciate that the founders did their very best to ensure that we had “boundaries” written into our constitution so that we, the people, not the government in and of itself, would be protected. However, what we see today, unfortunately, is a government of itself, by itself, and for itself; therefore, they will continue to use whatever means necessary, which, in their eyes are, is always justified in order to obtain their end. Sadly, they are getting away with it, and will continue to, as long as we the people stand by and watch.
While yes, it is disheartening as we see all of these atrocities happening in our world, at least on the surface, and the out of control border being one of them, we must keep in mind that they all stem from a root of evil. We who understand this must continue to stay rooted and grounded in God Almighty. As we do this, and as we pray—seriously pray—we can continue to hope, and know, that whatever the left has in mind for its ‘end game,’ God has something else in mind—and we know what that is. His way will absolutely prevail because, unlike the “left,” He is a man of His word, and He always upholds His promises.
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-By Kenneth Burns March 30, 2021
A Highlight of Washington's Inaugural address 4/30/1789
Although it is highly encouraged, by me, to read Washington's Address in its entirety, I want to specifically highlight his second paragraph. Why? Because when you consider the events that surrounded this first presidency, compared to where we are today, it should make one pause and think about how far "off the cliff" we have fallen in this country... I say we because the current state of our country is the fault of many, and not just a few, unfortunately.
So, without further ado, let us consider the following paragraph:
Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this official act my fervent supplications that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow-citizens at large less than either. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency; and in the important revolution just accomplished in the system of their united government the tranquil deliberations and voluntary consent of so many distinct communities from which the event has resulted cannot be compared with the means by which most government shave been established without some return of pious gratitude, along with an humble anticipation of the future blessings which the past seem to presage. These reflections, arising out of the present crisis, have forced themselves too strongly on my mind to be suppressed. You will join with me, I trust, in thinking that there are none under the influence of which the proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence.
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By observing that which is written above, one does not need to assume where credit is due, nor where it was given; but rather, one must receive what was written in history as it was. That which was underlined was done so that we can both appreciate such strong language and only hope that we the people NEVER allow that which is “too strongly on our mind to be suppressed.” There is no doubt that those in “power” (if I could make the “p” more lowercase, I would), want nothing more than to squash the very foundation of our country. However, though they may do so, there is one foundation of which they can never, and I mean never, destroy. Let us always keep this in mind.
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-By Kenneth Burns March 22, 2021