Tag: Politics

The Truth Behind Minneapolis and The Far-Left Ideology: A Christian Perspective 

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The Truth Behind Minneapolis and The Far-Left Ideology: A Christian Perspective 

Let me start off by saying this, I saw a video recently speaking on those who are going to social media giving their non-professional opinion, because simply put, they’ve never been in that kind of situation. They’ve never had to call 911 because they were threatened in some way, or worse attacked. Let me give you, my reader, my credentials. I am an Army Veteran. I fought in the Iraq war, and when I say fought, I have been shot at, I have been blown up, I have been in a firefight, and I have fired my weapon at other human beings. I know first-hand how quickly you have to make a decision whether to fire or not. After my time in the war I served as a security professional in many different kind of places. I’ve served in places like John Deere where I was alone in the entire facility. I have served in places like the busiest mall in my area, as third in command of the security team, and often in charge of my team during the days I worked. I have been security for my church team, and while that doesn’t sound like it would be busy or stressful, believe it or not, were always on high alert for one reason or another. I have worked with law enforcement and my combined experiences 23 years of experience. And if you want to be specific, I have had to shoot at incoming vehicles that failed to heed commands. The main difference was I was 65-100 meters away, while the officer in Minneapolis was inches (till he was hit by her car). 

Apparently California has lost 1Trillion dollars in revenue from its billionaire base in a matter of weeks as they have fled the state. All the California democrats voted not to lower the gas tax in the state. Even Robert De’Nero (who supported Mamdani) in New York isn’t happy with the proposed wealthy tax. So much has happened in recent years it breaks my heart to see what our country has become. I once believed even in differences we could have dialogue. Then, Charlie Kirk was killed and as his family grieved the left went to social media celebrating, mocking, and even slinging insults at his wife. He was killed simply for having a traditional ideal of what this country used to be and what he wished it would be again. 

We all make choices, and what happened to Charlie and what happened to Ms. Good are not the same. You have a right to protest but that protest protection stops at interference. Once someone interferes it turns into obstruction. Every statue ICE uses today are the same as under Clinton, and Obama (the deport-er and chief), the exact same statutes they used to deport millions. We used to believe in the same things in some categories. Today no matter what Trump does, to the ideologues it’s wrong. Just a couple years ago the left was saying how bad Maduro was and how illegitimate he was, till Trump removed him. Interesting how once he does something we used to agree on, it becomes wrong. Removing illegals just 10 years ago under Obama, or ruthless dictators was the right thing to do. Today, it’s wrong. Trump brings jobs back to the U.S. and a trillion in tariffs bringing money back to the U.S., lowering inflation, and yet he’s wrong. 

At the end of the day, no amount of evidence will prove to, or change an ideologue’s opinion. It’s funny how some people no matter what video evidence there is, ignore it, and no evidence in the world changes an ideologues mindset. Video evidence despite what some think is not propaganda when it’s clear as day. Propaganda takes video’s to prove a the truth doesn’t exist. The Nazi’s took fake video footage of camps to show a different reality then the one that was actually happening. Good, disobeyed lawful orders after interfering with ICE, and put herself and her spouse at risk while slamming on the accelerator of her car, before her spouse could get into the car. Good’s actions put herself and her spouse at risk by moving a vehicle while there were so many people surrounded the vehicle, along with ICE agents next to and in front of the vehicle. She left her son alone and drove hours from home to interfere, not to protest ICE. Peaceful protesting and voting affect changes of policy. You cannot interfere with law enforcement arresting a criminal or interfering with an investigation, nor can you interfere with ICE arresting illegal aliens, or investigating fraud at the hands of illegal aliens. No matter her intent, scared, or fleeing from law enforcement (ICE) she hit an ICE agent with her car. The law is crystal clear no matter if it was a civilian, a police officer, an FBI agent, it matters not. A car becomes a weapon once in motion, after law enforcement orders you out of the vehicle and especially surrounded by officers. It becomes a weapon when you chose to drive with one officer’s hands inside the vehicle, and one standing in front of it. She hit the accelerator so hard the tires spun before lunging forward hitting the ICE agent. These are facts. The agent is trained to act fast, and protect the lives of civilians and officers. The officer followed his training, and I am 100% certain, he is tore up inside having to end a life. The difference between us here is no one is celebrating her death. While choices have consequences, Charlie was sitting at a table debating, she hit an officer while he was fulfilling his legal duty. We have sympathy for her son. But even if you look at the bare minimum, she could have been arrested for obstruction of a federal operation and if convicted, a year in jail. Not ideal parenting. This entire situation is sad but preventable. Like it or not, Donald Trump won in a landslide and the popular vote. Many who have suffered at the hands of what illegal immigration have wrought upon this nation, the approval of the removal of these people many who truly are more than just illegals have shown their criminality. 

There once was an interview with Imam Mohammad Tawhidi, that said this, “I would only vote left.” (Interviewer ‘Why is that’) I saw them as very stupid. I would fear the conservatives. Because they come with principle. That’s not someone they can brainwash. But the left, I know they have no values, no principles to begin with.” IF you cannot see the truth about all these fundamental Islamists who vote left, but their deep religion condemns abortion, condemns gays and homosexuals, yet say they stand for these things, when where they come from gays and homosexuals are killed, thrown off of roofs, you may be being deceived. Radical Islam allows someone to lie (Taqiyya) to conceal ones beliefs to spread Islam and advance the cause of eventual jihad. 

Myself, like the ICE agent, married a Filipina. We both had to endure the process. Not only did I have to wait 3 years to have the fiancé visa approved, I had to pay thousands in fee’s. TO be exact, I paid 5K. I had to prove I could get insurance for my bride. I had to have five affidavits to prove my relationship to have the visa approved. Plus enough paperwork to make the military blush. Once married I had to have yet again another five affidavits signed. Now, just two years later I need to do more paperwork. I need to prove yet again we are still married and living the married life. I need to pay yet again. I was never offered any assistance, no college fund, no welfare options, no housing assistance. In fact, when I needed help, I was denied assistance. We had to wait in line, we had to pay, and now, we need to work on her path to citizenship. At no point did the government offer anything to us, yet illegals get welfare, cash, college in some cases, Medicare in some cases, and the right to vote in some cases, yet my bride doesn’t get any of those things. We are not against immigration, I myself am the descendent of immigration in the late 1800’s. My family came here long after slavery ended, built a life and a home with nothing but what was in their pockets. Yet, if the left had their way, simply because I am white, I should have to pay reparations to people who were never slaves, by a family line that never owned slaves. In fact as part of my heritage is Scottish, they and the Irish weren’t treated very well. They were considered by some to be second class citizens. Yet, just because they are white we are told by the left we should be ashamed of our supposed white privilege. I’ve gotten no help, and not advantages, and I’ve had to work hard for everything I have. I had to work hard to give myself a life after growing up poor with very little. I had to work hard when I was left at home by myself after my mothers suicide attempt when I was just 11 years old. I was given nothing to help me cope with what I witnessed. I was given no counseling, or guidance, just endless bullying at school. The left leaning ideology I firmly believed in growing up told me and taught me I was a victim. I held on to that ideal for many years. In truth, I was a survivor. I digress… When done the right way, immigration is safer for everyone when laws are obeyed and adhered too, and we are to respect a nations law. We have laws for a reason in this nation, as every nation has laws on immigration. My wife’s homeland has immigration laws that I must obey when I go there. I can only stay for three months without a special visa; I must get every time if I wanted to stay longer. I must respect the laws of the country that has welcomed me. We are a society of laws and thus we must obey and respect the customs and laws. 

Scripture tells us of a time when people will call wrong right and right wrong. It tells of a time when good righteous people will be hunted and silenced, while the darkness rises to control over the world. The few will enter into the gates of heaven. The few will walk the righteous path of our Lord Jesus. The few will respect the law, and follow the rules of the highest morality, God almighty. While we are to love our enemies, we are to pray for them. We are to, in love, tell them about our Lord Jesus. We are all sinners, but only those who put their trust and faith and surrender in our Lord Christ will see forgiveness. We must continue to share the love of Jesus by sharing the truth with our fellow man. While we know some will be saved, and some will sadly remain in Hell for all eternity, the best we can do is live a life of service to our Lord. The cross is offensive to the unbeliever. When the Pharisees saw the miracles Jesus had performed, they called him demon possessed. They couldn’t refute the miracles, just where and how he could do them. Despite all the evidence at hand, they denied the truth. The way I see it, anyone who denies that life begins at conception, the people who are constantly taking the side of criminals over brave men and women performing their duty. The people who constantly change their position as the wind blows, who are on video one minute saying something, and within a year or two changing just to pretend they have the moral high ground, are no different than the Pharisees of old. Those who support socialism and all it stands for, ignoring the millions who’ve died at the hands of dictators, of both socialism and communism alike are as Benjamin Netanyahu once said, “useful idiots”. Rebranding socialism as some kind of democratic socialism is amazingly stupid. The evidence of what’s happening is already evident, that individual freedoms are being eroded in New York City, and soon places all over the country. When the government suddenly has the right to tell you, you cannot sell your property, is government overreach. When places like Venezuela and Iran see the people of those countries calling out the name of Trump in the streets, one might think the left and its ideology is on the wrong side of history. I wish no one to perish. I wish for the American dream to return. I wish for individual freedoms to return. I wish for our nation to return to the once great Christian nation we once were. I find the hatred to be overwhelming. I find the evil rising to be a putrid smell I cannot escape from. I cannot express my full sorrow at the world I see today. While peace rings out in other nations, brokered by our President, the hatred for him runs so deep, no matter what is done, it’s never enough and everything is bad. People celebrating the death of a good man Charlie Kirk, simply because they disagreed. People attacking law enforcement, hitting them with their cars, just because they disagree. Letting criminals stay on the street time and time again, till they finally kill a young woman like Iryna Zaretska. A woman Zoe Welsh who died at the hands of yet another career criminal with six arrests in just four years, but because he was deemed ‘mentally unfit’ he roamed free, till he killed a woman in her own home. We celebrate criminals, we celebrate tragedies, we ignore truths, and we fall right into what Satan wants, chaos.  We will all judged someday, and we must live with the consequences of our actions and choices. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. One day I look forward to being before the King of the Universe and facing the consequences of my actions, both good and bad, but being covered by the blood of Jesus, and wishing to service our King, hear “well done, my good and faithful servant.”. What will you hear? Well done, or depart from me, I never knew you?

THERE’S NO HOPE, EXCEPT FOR THE HOPE 

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THERE’S NO HOPE, EXCEPT FOR THE HOPE: 

I don’t know about you, but I’ve taken a few moments to look around recently and it appears to me that the world is both literally and figuratively on fire. Places like tropical and beautiful Hawaii burning to the ground. We’ve seen nature disasters like we have not seen in generations, and some are calling for the complete change of how we live our lives. Lets move to electric cars, which have a huge environmental footprint from start to finish. Let me show you an example: How do we get the minerals and materials needed for the batteries for the cars? That’s right, big mining equipment, which has a large footprint, along with the damage to the earth and surrounding areas for places like colbolt mines. Not to mention the human toll for such mines, in places like Africa, where near slave labor is used to mine, the mines. Or how about the electrical grid in California which cannot maintain air conditioners in the summer, but want to put a million EV’s on the grid. Human cost of living, comes at a price, and when we look at the true argument, we know that all we would do is trade one for another, both equally disturbing. The point is, we are told our only hope is to change to EV’s or else we risk the destruction of our world. Here’s another example, plastic bags at the grocery store. Some places have banned those bags, but still have plastic coming out of their ears. When a paper straw comes in a plastic wrapper, or the soda, laundry soap, cookies, milk containers, and I could go on and on, tells me one thing, it isn’t truly the earth they care about. Again, let me explain. While I firmly agree we need to find more sustainable ways to take care of this planet, I would argue that everything has a cost, down to the paper and pencil used to write down your spelling test in the third grade. Between fossil fuel usage, to wood, and plastics, everything has a cost. We live in a dying world. This world has an expiration date, and, while we should do everything we can to mitigate the pollution and destruction of the planet, we need to know that we ultimately have no hope to ‘save’ this world. 

Revelation 6:8 8 So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.

When we look at Revelation, we see the destruction of our world. We see fire, and blood, pestilence, and locusts, death, and torment. We can sit here and blame humans for an awful lot, from environmental problems, which I will admit, we should change, to problems of the heart. Let’s take a moment to look at the heart. Are people generally good people? I suppose you need to look at what that means, what does it mean to be a good person? The first thing you need to do is understand the difference between what a good person looks like must have a comparison. We often look at ourselves and say ‘I’m a good person, I haven’t killed anyone, or cheated anyone.’ This is not an accurate picture of a good person. I will start off by saying there is no good person, or people. Good evaluates upon our own idea of what makes someone good or bad. The republican who believes in the life of an unborn baby, who doesn’t want abortion, is bad in the eyes of someone who supports abortion. Those who wish to have a socialist society, and to get rid of capitalism are bad from those who want capitalism. What side of the fence do you sit on? Let me tell you, truth is not a fluid idea. Truth, is truth, and scripture is the only truth. We cannot sit and judge others based on our own flawed views, instead we must view the world through the eyes of scripture. Jesus is the truth, and as such we must make our own personal choices through that lens, and none other. 

Let us take a look at the current crime situation in this country. Washington DC, which has seen a dramatic rise in crime, as of March 29th, from the office of the US Attorney’s office, nearly 70% of all cases were not prosecuted from the DC office. Let’s take a look at Portland, San Francisco, Austin, Los Angeles, and more. Crime has risen by double digit percentages in the last year alone. We see these things happening and it would seem that many of the larger violent crimes have been committed by those with a rather lengthy rap sheet, and some may question, why were they allowed on the street to begin with. The simple answer is not simple at all, but scripture tells us there will come a time when ‘right is considered wrong, and wrong is considered right.’ And ‘the people of Israel had no judge, and did what was right in their own eyes.’ 

Between the weather, and crime, and the dismal look at politics and those in charge, war in the streets and around the globe, one may ask, or say, what hope do we have? The economy now making living near impossible, as families are going deeper into debt, living paycheck to paycheck, or worse, losing everything, makes people feel hopeless for tomorrow.

Romans 3:21-24 21 “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,”

When all fall short of the Glory of God, many may look to that and wonder why they try, if no matter what they do, they fall short. The point is why we need a savior, why the life, death, and resurrection of Christ is so important. We cannot do this on our own. 

Romans 3:10-12

10 As it is written:

“There is none righteous, no, not one;

11 There is none who understands;

There is none who seeks after God.

12 They have all turned aside;

They have together become unprofitable;

There is none who does good, no, not one.”

Many look at the world today in surprise. ‘How could we have come to this?’ As for me, I am not surprised. Some people think I am jaded, but I disagree, I feel it’s an understanding of the sin nature, that gives me this perspective. When we look at scripture, and it tells us that no one is righteous, no one is truly good, we cannot look at people as good. Common grace might mean we don’t eat each other, but ultimately, our sin is our nature, meaning, that corrupt, selfish, conceited selves, are our default system. Without God’s grace we are totally depraved. The world in of itself is not going to ‘get better’. The world will continue to burn. The US. Will continue to burn. God does not need to bring forth His judgment to cast judgment. There are two kinds of judgment, one is, direct judgment as seen with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The other is the removal of God’s grace, as seen when Israel is destroyed by Babylon. Sin, left unchecked will destroy a country. In reality, as long as we as a people are sinful, and we continue to freely sin, and support sin, and put sin up on a platform, we can expect the worst. When we do these things, the Lord may give us over to our sins. How can I say this? Simply put, it’s happened before. 

Romans 1:18-32

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

As a nation that once held God as their priority, now after just a few generations, have pushed God aside for many different ideas. Climate change, money, new age, even atheist’s, all have their idols, their own gods, and these things have replaced God in the hearts and minds of people here, and elsewhere in the world. War, false religions, science, protests, the rise in criminality, allowing mental health disorders to make policy, and so many more symptoms will present themselves as God’s grace is pulled away. Has God given us over to our own debased, or reprobate mind? I believe He has. So, what does this mean? There is no hope for those in this country, or in the world, that does not seek God’s face. Those who continue to double down, or triple down on their rejection of God will continue to see things get worse as His judgment continues. Years ago I wrote a post called “When God Puts The Hammer Down” https://thearrowpreacher.com/2018/08/25/when-god-puts-the-hammer-down/

In this post I wrote “We cannot expect to live our lives without consequence anyway we want to. We have to assume that judgment will come when we get to the point where God doesn’t believe there is a way to save us.” While this was written by a younger man, a man who has now grown a great deal in his faith, so has a greater understanding of God’s word. I still believe God’s judgment will come, but in the manner in which it does, may not be so theatrical. When Sodom fell, God saved Lot. There may be those saved by His hand as we see by some of the other prophets as Israel was taken over by foreign entities. For those who do not seek his face, God may see fit to give you over to your own lusts, and desires, and ideals. We cannot look through the world lens towards scripture, but look at the world through the lens of scripture. When you make a decision is it based on scripture? When you look at your politics, do you do so through the lens of scripture? When you make a decision on politics, on ideals, on life, do you do so through the eyes of scripture? We have an obligation as Christians, to take seriously the things and people we support. We must be considerate of policies, of ideals, of laws, and even how we handle mental health issues within this country. Corinthians 10:31 “31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” We cannot support things like the “pride” flag, and also call ourselves Christians. Scripture is clear on what that represents, and what God thinks of such things. Our sinful creature mindset, is not Holy, is not righteous, and we must refer to God’s word, since His word is the only truth. 

For those who do not see Christ, and do not know Him, and in turn, those whom He does not know, there is no hope for you. The world will continue down a path, and that path ends with the trumpets and seals. It’s never too late for you, till it’s too late. There will come a time when judgment comes and you were given all the time to turn to God. For those who know God, whom Jesus knows you, you have hope. 

John 16:33 33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

We may watch as the world turns, the world burns around us, but our job is clear, continue to show the love of Christ. Continue to stand upon the Word, and spread and share the love of Christ, but also the warning given by Christ. There is judgment to those who actively live in their sins. There is an effect to the cause of those who turn away from God, who spite God, who blaspheme, there is a price to be paid. As one of my favorite Marvel quotes said, “The bill comes due.” (Dr. Strange) For those who follow Christ our sentence is commuted, and for those who don’t, the sentence is Hell. We are all guilty of sin, of cosmic treason against a Holy God. And for all of us, the verdict of guilty is rendered. Scripture tells us there is no excuse for not seeing God. Romans 1:20-21 “20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” The difference is whether you know and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, for the repentant sinner. “General Revelation is the foundation of all condemnation… IF God judges, he judges justly with equity, because man is without excuse.” (John MacArthur) I am not saying the country cannot be saved, but it will need to turn back to God in order for that to happen. I am not saying it’s too late, but current trajectory tells me, we may be in trouble. As far as Christians are concerned the fight isn’t over till it’s over. No matter the fire and brimstone around us, we must stand on the word and continue the “Great Commission”. We must continue to spread the love and Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must also stand on that word, and that means we vote based on the Word, our policies base on the Word, our ideals and beliefs stand upon the Word. What is socially accepted or acceptable is not the word, and just because the world says something is okay, doesn’t make it so. How we view crime, and abortion, race, poverty, immigration, war, world leaders, ideologies, how we vote, religions, etc. All matter. We must know scripture in order to know what God says on any given subject. If we do not know and study scripture, we cannot expect to hold representatives accountable to God’s word. We cannot expect policy to be made in line with Scripture, if we ourselves do not know scripture. We cannot expect citizens of a city to be held at bay by peace officers, when crime is allowed to flourish under the flag of inclusivity, equality, equity, and mental health issues. 

For those who do not know God, there is no hope to be had, but for those who know Christ, know our hope is not of this world, but the one who overcame death, the one who paid the price for us, Jesus Christ, our hope is in Heaven, a life after this life. How we proceed matters, and how we view the world through scripture matters. IF we remain in our sins, we have no excuse on the day of judgment. For those who turn their backs on God, or who never faced Him to begin with, for them, the sentence is written. It isn’t too late to turn to God, repent of sins, and know that John 14:6 “ Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

As for Christians, keep fighting the good fight. Run with endurance, and take heart, Heaven awaits you. Keep sharing the hope of Jesus Christ with the world. Do so in lovingkindness. Do not be conformed to the world, but resist with the Armor of God. Live a life to show yourself apart from the world, and bare good fruit for Christ. Where you shop, where you frequent, who you spend your time with, what you do in your free time, who you vote for, all matters. Do not alter scripture to fit your narrative, instead let Scripture create your narrative. Pray for your representatives that they find Christ, even when they may act as an enemy combatant. Remember the opinion of a Christian doesn’t matter in the realm of scripture. God’s word is the ultimate authority, so treat it as such. Do not put your hope in people, for they will sin their way to disappointment. Hope for the best concerning people, but expect the sin nature. This means always be in prayer for people you interact with. Be in prayer for those making decisions on a larger scale that affects others, city leaders, large business owners, school teachers, even the politicians. Find comfort knowing that God the Abba Father is sitting on the throne, in charge over all, and if he knows your name, and you know his, that your future is one not of gnashing of teeth in eternal torment, but a glorious mansion in Heaven where you will worship the Father for all eternity. Find comfort in the hope and good news of Jesus Christ. 

Stand Up For Something

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Stand Up For Something

What does our flag mean to you? Men and women have fought and died for it for over two hundred years. It’s flown over countless countries and even on the moon. It represents the best of what his country is and how we’ve persevered through all manner of hardships. This country has endured war and poverty, racial divide and unprovoked attack that left thousands grieving. The struggles we’ve faced and overcome we’ve done it together. We trust in our nation to pull through the toughest of times, and we know that when the going gets tough we band together to achieve any goal because we stronger together.

Now in this country as the flag flies people from all over protest the national anthem because of personal reasons. The sad part is, although we aren’t perfect, and we have a long way to go, are we really do bold as to say so disrespectfully that we sit or kneel to try and prove a point? What do the leaders show the rest of the country when they choose to divide instead of illicit togetherness? The powerful are who the average look to and when so much hate and discourse is thrown around the rest of us are forced to watch and see this every single day. When the flag goes by I’ve seen old Veterans barely able to walk and in wheel chairs muster the strength to stand not because they have to, but as a sign of respect for those who’ve fought and have been buried under the Stars and Stripes. Racial divide, police brutality, political disagreement has nothing to do with the representation of our flag and nation. Our constitution, our bill of rights, and all the people who’ve served, died, and fought to protect those liberties, and the attempt to give those basic human rights to others is what the anthem stands for. If you cannot in good conscious stand for what this country stands for then why are you still here? There are plenty of other countries out there and if you won’t stand and recite the pledge, hold honors to the colors, then really its not your micro protests, it’s this nation you’re disrespecting. If you hate it so much look at what this nation has given to you. Success, wealth, fame, and so much more, yet instead of using that wealth and fame to raise awareness, blatant disrespect and a lack of loyalty are the rallying cry. How irresponsible to teach the young people of today that honoring and respecting the great nation you live in is such a major disrespect. Once upon a time to call yourself an American was said with pride. Now people do nothing but gripe and complain. I hate to break it to most people but I’ve lived a great many places in this world and even with our faults our rights and privileges are still second to none.

I’ve buried friends under the flag, and I’ve seen the way other nations talk about us, and I’ve seen the hell of war fighting for a people that largely hated us from the start. The fact is using Iraq as an example, I watch the first election take place in Ar- Ramadi as women could vote for the first times in their life. We have grown as a country, and we stand for those who cannot stand for themselves. When God gives us power He expects for us to use that power to glorify Him. Now however we can’t even publicly say His name in a growing number of institutions. We were founded on the beliefs that God was sovereign and Gods grace allowed for us to have what many did not. Now God is used as a simple platitude of old and for many no longer holds any societal importance. Walk in the shadows long enough and God will either watch as we destroy ourselves, watch as someone else does it, or like Sodom and Gamora before us we shall watch as the flag burns and the nation crumbles around us. You can still show respect for this country even when you disagree with a few things. Disrespecting the entire notion of this country on national television, or in public view is a horribly way to get your point across, because honestly, if you loose the respect of your followers, or people you’re supposed to be a roll model too, what good are we if we can’t find a constructive way to express ourselves.

We must learn to hold ourselves as a higher standard. Its not just here in this country we must worry about what others think, we are now being viewed world wide, and we must remain a united front. Our enemies are constantly planning, working to destroy us, and here we are trying to destroy our own selves. To the outside world, we look like a country of ignorant fools, obsessed with the sound of our own voice, and our problems seem so petty to them, and yet, we argue and one day, that divided nature will be a problem, one I hope we can fix before it’s too late. So in closing if you’re going to stand for something, stand for something, and make it count. If you are going to protest something do it in a respectful way. If you’re going to disagree with someone enough of the screaming, enough of the rioting, the looting, talk it over, sit down and have a dialog about it. Enough of the want and destruction that has plagued our nation for too long now. As I’ve stated in the past, put a little love in your heart!