To Blog...Or not to Blog?

Due in large part to the events both political and financial that have taken place in recent months and weeks, my mind has been plagued by thoughts that I, as a "bitter, God fearing, gun-toting" American patriot should be doing more than merely watching Katie Couric and lamenting with the "guys" at the water cooler the next day about the sad state of affairs we find ourselves in these days. Though I have always considered myself to be knowledgeable and informed of current local, national and world events, I have often lamented not having served in the armed forces as a young man or having been more politically involved in years past, as a way to "do my part".

So, why blog? Well, I can explain it this way. Have you ever seen the movie “Boondock Saints”? There is an opening scene where the minister says “...We all must fear evil, but the evil we must fear the most is the indifference of good men.” I believe that being indifferent about the political landscape of our day will have long lasting negative effects on our future. As a simple guy with a wife, two kids, two dogs, two jobs, a quickly deteriorating house and church responsibilities this is about all I can contribute right now...and I figure it's better than gripping or debating my clueless liberal neighbor.

As I stated earlier, I have over the past months and weeks felt divinely inspired to "make a difference" by not only the events "du jour" that seem to be dragging this nation down speedily, but also by my wife-the energizer bunny, and my two very energetic and unceasingly inquisitive boys, for whom I hope to leave this world a better place.

So, for me this Blog is my way of, at the very least, voicing my opinion and sharing thoughts and ideas of what is going wrong and what we should do to stay the course that our Founding Fathers prescribed. Though I have many, (my parents being first and foremost) my heroes include John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson. "E Pluribus Unum" was the motto proposed for the first Great Seal of the United States by these three icons of freedom and liberty in the summer of 1776. A Latin phrase meaning "Out of many, One" the phrase offered a strong statement of the American determination to form a single nation from a collection of states. Over the years, "E Pluribus Unum" has also served as a reminder of America's bold attempt to make one unified nation of people from many different backgrounds and beliefs. The challenge of seeking unity while respecting diversity has played a critical role in shaping our history, our literature, and our national character.

It seems though, that while this great nation has grown over two centuries now that the phrase "E Pluribus Unum" has lost its meaning. Today our political landscape is littered with all manner of groups and fractions, each with diverse and often sinister agendas. The words of the early Prophets has indeed come true, for it is very difficult these days to decipher between good and evil. Often times what we perceive to be good, turns out, in the end to be vile. I would very much like to see this, "...One nation, under God, indivisible..." with one purpose and goal.

I think we can all agree that George Washington, our first President, was a great American. If anyone disagrees with this (and the Brits don’t count) then you’re an idiot. Not to be crass, but you simply don’t get it. Washington put his life on the line and had to watch (and command) many patriots to their death for a cause - a belief - an ideal. After he helped kick the Brits off our great land, he then, very reluctantly, agreed to serve as our first President. He came, kicking and screaming, for a second term of office, but refused a third. What a man! In his farewell speech to the newly formed idea of a nation, he addressed what he thought could be one of this country’s greatest downfalls - political parties. "It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public Administration. It agitates the Community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party passions. Thus the policy and the will of one country are subjected to the policy and will of another."

In short, Washington believed political parties were evil in nature. They were not in the best interest of our country unity and could eventually lead to our downfall. Ladies and gentlemen…I think we are almost there. If we are going to save ourselves from ourselves, we need to wake up and do more than gripe and moan and forward emails to each other about what's going on.

It's time to take a stand for what's right and take action. Even if the best action you can take is blogging. I, for one, have committed to volunteer for a few candidates campaign efforts on the local and national level in the coming weeks. Don't ask me where I'll find the time...these are the kinds of priorities we make time for. I urge you all to get involved as well, in whatever capacity you can this election season. Do some research and pick a candidate or two who you believe is making a difference and get behind him and support him, not just in voice, email, and lawn decorations. Get involved!

So feel free to check back here as often as you please. The blog will be updated weekly (or sooner) as the need be, or as my time is available. Tell me what you think - I welcome comments and criticism, though this won't be a forum for debate. State what you wish, but don't necessisarily look for a direct response form me.