Defying American Tradition and Principle

In regards to the US economic crisis, to be put bluntly, is the sum total of the arrogance, hubris, greed and folly of what Newt Gingrich refers to as “predatory politicians”, “predatory” lenders, and Wall Street brokers. These conditions are fostered by a complacent and at times apathetic American public, who has become immersed into an abyss of self induced ignorance, narcissism and an ever-growing sense of entitlement. It is the “predatory politicians” however are the one’s leading the charge and are the true enablers of the guys on Wall Street. These law makers include Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, and Democratic Presidential Candidate Barack Obama. The Bush Administration has also failed to look out for the folks like it should. One of the problems with Bush the Elder was that he was so out of touch with the general public and his son has followed suit with that tradition. John McCain to his credit is documented in the Congressional Record as making a sincere attempt to rein in Fanny and Freddie and avoid a housing crisis that would burden the US taxpayer. The US Government has allowed interest groups, foreign lobbies and agents of influence receiving taxpayer dollars such as ACORN, to run amok and trample the sacred political and economic rights of the US taxpayers and citizens. As a result of these conditions, which have slowly crept onto the American political and economic landscape in the last four and a half decades, the traditions and foundational principles that define the United States and the Great American Experiment in general are at very serious risk of being transformed into an entity that will be not only alien to traditional Americans but may be irreversible within the realm of American political discourse.

America’s First Socialist Experiment

In order to understand the rapid degeneration of the American economic and political foundations, it is important to briefly review the historical record outlining the origins of those principles and traditions. In the 1620’s, the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts at first attempted to carry out a communal form of economic exchange that resembled a primitive form of Socialism. The Colonists led by William Bradford however found that such methods failed to produce the necessary output to survive let alone thrive. Bradford made such notations in his journal and found that allowing to Colonists to market goods among themselves and the local Indians in a free market system, production immediately increased to levels beyond subsistence. As a result, America’s first capitalistic venture had trumped the constraints of the Socialist system setting the precedent that would eventually shed its mercantilist constructs a century and a half later.

Seldon’s Penny

Meanwhile in England, during the reign of Charles I, Parliamentarian and respected barrister, John Seldon presented arguments that connected property rights and taxation. Seldon made the comment, “My penny is as much my own as the King’s ten pence is his; if the King may defend his ten pence, why not Seldon his penny?” In other words, the property of all Englishmen is just as sacred as that of the King’s. This argument was presented over a century later by Colonial law makers protesting the Stamp Act.

Locke’s Contribution

Another important American tradition founded in both English and American and Constitutional law draws a direct connection between political society and property rights. In John Locke’s Two Treatises on Government expresses the inseparable connection between property and personal liberty; as both of these tangible and intangible products are one in the same. In classic Anglo-Saxon tradition, the view at the time was held that the difference between slavery and serfdom and that of a free man was the level at which the government infringes upon a persons liberty and his right to accrue and retain property. As a result, the accumulation of wealth does not justify an increased level of infringement imposed by the government.

Faith + Morality = Liberty

The tradition of American Liberty is also inseparable to religious faith; a component that was also tied indirectly to nearly every aspect of daily life. French historian Alexis de Tocqueville who spent much of his adult life in the United States during the early 1800’s is quoted, “ Liberty cannot be established without morality and morality without faith….Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other” De Tocqueville draws direct comparison to his native France who at the time abandoned religious faith en masse resulting in a politically and socially fragmented nation. In regards to the relationship between government and religion, respected author and American historian Robert Middlekauf states in his book The Glorious Cause, that an overwhelming consensus of intellectuals in the 17^th and 18^th century ----“generally agreed that political society had its ultimate origins in the Divine Will” These same scholars also understood that government alone could not restrain the passions and default behaviors of the masses, that when unbridled, would result in chaos and political anarchy. Only the firm belief of a higher power coupled with holding accountable one’s behavior to the Almighty could keep man’s inhumanity to man in check. Therefore, in the eyes of an American in the late 18^th Century, the concept of a separation of church and state would not only be alien but an intolerable imposition of a government that sought to establish itself in the role of tyrants and the repressive conditions she sought to escape in the first place.

America’s fall from Grace

The past two generations of Americans have experienced a swell of abundance that has been unprecedented in world history. They have not witnessed a Great Depression, rationing, Nazi tyranny, or the brinksmanship of the Cold War The Americans at the lowest rung of the socio-economic totem pole are more likely to live in a sound structure, have air conditioning, an automobile, a washer, dryer, microwave, cell phone, health care (Medicaid) and access to public education, than the average person in Western Europe.  However, predatory politicians have found that it is possible to pander for votes by bribing its constituency from the coffers of the public treasury. This is primarily the modus operandi of the Democratic Party (the Entitlement Party) however Republicans have championed Earmark Spending and “pork barrel’ legislation at unprecedented levels. The cronyism on both sides of the aisle has sold out the public interest to lobbyists and special interest to the point treason. I say that because of blatant and deliberate actions by members of Congress such as Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd and others have precipitated the current crisis and have compromised US National Security by placing its economy in the most vulnerable position since the Great Depression. It is highly likely that when the history of this crisis is written sometime in the near future, it will be revealed that members of our own government, conspiring with other agents of influence such as George Soros, power brokers in Dubai, Russia and China have manipulated the markets in such a way as to achieve a desirable political outcome for the Democratic Party in the 2008 Presidential and Congressional elections.

While the economy is a mess, the election of Barack Obama by the American people would be more likely be the result of the complacency, apathy, self induced ignorance and sense of entitlement that its citizenry have become more comfortable with the last thirty-five years. These conditions have been fostered by the gradual erosion of the nations collective state of spirituality and faith which has been endlessly bombarded by the ACLU, atheist organizations, the pervasive influence of Marxist/Socialist doctrine in the US public and college education system and the support of the high courts that legislate by judicial fiat.  Americans have become comfortable with “outsourcing” their problems or passing them along to someone else. Rather than fight the day to day battles they would rather someone else do it for them; the government, the mainstream media, etc. Summarizing Edward Gibbon, “Romans did not want to be Romans anymore” and the citizenry of the United States of America have followed suit whereas Americans quit being Americans. Like the “boiling frog” analogy, many Americans have become comfortable with the government solving their problems. As a result they have given up many of their freedoms and personal independence.

Tyler and de Tocqueville

This idea is supported by 18^th Century Scottish historian Alexander Tyler who supposedly penned the concept of the “Cycle of the Body Politic”, where civilizations go through stages ranging from slavery to freedom to abundance to apathy to dependence and back to slavery. He is often credited at stating that democracy as a permanent form of government will exist only until its citizenry realizes it can secure benefits from the treasury. Alexis de Tocqueville made a similar observation saying, “The American republic will endure until the day Congress discovers it can bribe the public with the public’s money.”  For many traditional Americans, it was unfathomable that this state of affairs was even a remote possibility in the United States and oft en scoffed at such a scenario. However , it is clear that the last two generations of Americans in general are not equipped emotionally or educationally to understand the consequences of tolerating the subversion of the US Constitution, America’s Economic and Social infrastructure by the radical left wing minority that is represented by the current leadership in Congress. Equally as clear, is the recurring theme of “redistributing wealth” presented by Barack Obama firmly places his and his Congressional cronies in the Socialist camp. What today’s Generation does not realize is that Socialism is simply Communism-Lite; which should put the fear of the Almighty in to everyone who wishes to preserve the nation founded by George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. Any assessment to the contrary would be pure folly to any traditional American and/or reputable academician.

It is a disturbing thought that a significantly larger portion of Americans are comfortable with the “Socialist label” without having any idea of the implications that such policies would bring. Once again, de Tocqueville discusses this issue with clarity, “Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference; while Democracy seeks equality through liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude” According to the Cycle of the Body Politic, once forty percent or more of the populace are 50% dependent on the government’s largesse, it is a very short ride back to bondage and slavery. The Democrat’s goal to reach those numbers could possibly come to fruition by the year 2012 if their candidate is elected. They only have about ten percentage points to go. This feat could be easily attained by giving drivers licenses to illegal aliens; an event that could change the dynamics of the US political landscape so profoundly, that it could  quite possibly never recover to its former self. Two more liberal Supreme Court Justices would complete the Democratic trifecta and eliminate any balance of power and any sizable opposition.

Quite possibly America’s last chance

Should the Republican Party win the Presidency (about 30% chance as of October 31), they would have four more years to turn things around and adopt the Conservative principles the party was founded on. A continuation of the Bush Era would finish it off for good. True reform with true accountability along with fiscal responsibility and actually achieving energy independence among other lofty goals that never get off the ground are mandatory accomplishments if the party hopes to survive. People like Governors Sarah Palin and Bobby Jindal must lead the way for the GOP’s future in paving the way for government reform.

However, it may be too late with Obama’s lead firmly entrenched as it is. Remember the socialist agenda has never been one to go down into that good night. Just look at Venezuela. The only way to change that government is by a bloody revolution that would cost hundreds of thousands of lives. When John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed each other after the election of 1800; one going out and one going in, the world held its breath and in amazement they gazed at a first time political event in world history; the peaceful handing over of executive power from one party to another. The Democrats won’t give up power next time without serious confrontation and will do what they can, like Hugo Chavez to maintain it. Traditional Americans must be ready for when that day comes to take back their country and restore the original life given to it by the Founding Fathers.

James T. Morris holds a Masters Degree in Strategic Intelligence from American Military University and a Bachelors Degree in Social Studies Education and History from West Virginia University. He is an intelligence analyst, writer, and lifelong secondary school educator in the Florida Public School System as well as owning a private education company. His column, The Strategic Outlook discusses issues of National Security, Geopolitics, and Education Issues in the US, can be viewed on www.townhall.com .

2008 US Presidential Election: A New Time for Choosing

The United States of America is on the verge of its greatest crisis since the Great Depression and the attack on Pearl Harbor. During that time, the US economy was still firmly entrenched in the Depression, Japan had destroyed a large portion of the US Pacific Fleet (sans the Aircraft Carriers) and had marched on China and East Asia including the Philippine Islands, Nazi Germany had conquered almost all of Europe, North Africa and was on the verge of destroying the Soviet Union. Both the US and Nazi Germany were hastily pursuing the development of the atomic bomb; unbeknownst to the public of course. December 7, 1941 proved to be one of the darkest hours in history since the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 AD. Americans certainly had a good reason to be concerned for the future. Fortunately for the world, America’s fighting spirit, sacrifice ingenuity and the reliability of her only true allies; (Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) had turned the tide. I know what you are saying, Russia absorbed a tremendous blow and was an equal component in Nazi Germany’s demise however, Stalin proved to be nearly as much of a problem as Hitler, forcing the US into the Cold War immediately after WWII.

Today, we are at a crossroads of equal significance, perhaps even more so than in 1941.  The US economy is in serious straits, its military over stretched fighting two wars and its citizenry along with a fifteen million plus illegal alien population are locked in an internal struggle and culture war that will determine the nations character and place in world affairs for the next half a century. Traditional institutions such as locally funded public education, the Boys and Girls Scouts of America, faith based initiatives and the community support of churches that made America strong have given way to secular progressive initiatives such as Planned Parenthood, sex education programs and the removal of spirituality from the public forum. These initiatives have served to break down the traditional social and cultural infrastructure in the US. Today, America’s youth today are less educated, less mature and less responsible and accountable than any time in history and are thus less capable of making important critical thinking decisions such as the electing of public officials; especially for President of the United States.

America’s Radical and Corrupt Democratic Majority   

In January 2007, the most radical, corrupt left wing party in the history of the US Congress, led by Senators Harry Reid, Howard Dean, Joe Biden, Christopher Dodd, Hillary Clinton, Chuck Schumer, Barack Obama and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Barney Frank and others have taken over public policy and have presided over the “tanking” of the US economy. In fact, the Democratic Congress has a vested interest in promoting an economic recession which would ensure a repudiation of the Republican Party in 2008. Evidence of this abounds such as Senator Schumer’s intentional and irresponsible public statements indicating the California based Indy Mac Bank was in dire straits causing a panic among its customers. This type of economic sabotage is subtle but illustrates the radical Islamist mantra of “death by a thousand cuts”. This recession was aided by a politically expedient element within the Democratic Party that allowed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to carry out its unregulated political agenda by making millions of bad home loans to unqualified minorities with intentional forethought and total disregard to the economic well being of the country. This kind of blatant disregard and malice toward the American people during the 1940’s would have landed some of these characters in jail or at the very least out of a job and socially ostracized.

With the radical left in America gaining so much influence in the government and the intentional subversion of the US economy, which is on the verge of a deep recession, the United States could experience a transformation that could redefine its character in such a way that would make it unrecognizable to the last generation of Americans. This type of transformation would also make the US more vulnerable than ever to attacks both from within and without by state and non state actors who seek America’s demise. America’s external enemies such as Russia, China, Iran, Hezbollah, Venezuela, North Korea, al Qaeda and others are poised to take advantage of the current political and economic chaos and instability, which makes the 2008 Presidential Election as the most important in modern US history. American voters will have a choice between two VERY different candidates that have equally different visions of the course direction the country should take.

2008 Presidential Election: The Fix is in

Senator Barack Obama (D-Illinois) is poised to be the next President of the United States if the economy continues to slide and his opponent John McCain does not come up with some strategy to change the status quo. If there was ever an election that was based upon the fictional creation of a charater who operated in an engineered environment that was bought and rigged to produce the desired outcome, the Presidential election of 2008 is it. Ninety percent of the mainstream print and television media are actively pulling for Obama to win. Radical left wing elements such as NBC/MSNBC, MoveOn.org, Media Matters, the Daily Kos, the Huffington Post and billionaire George Soros are planning to invest a total of $350 million on top of the nearly one billion dollars raised by the Obama Campaign and his Hollywood elite friends to win this election.

Another alarming element stems from voter fraud on an unprecedented scale in dozens of states, by radical left wing groups such as ACORN, who receives millions of taxpayer dollars every year and are currently being investigated, promise to bring many hundreds of thousands of illegal voters as well as those non living to the polls on November 4^th, a move which could tip the balance of the election even if is only marginally close. ACORN and the Democratic Congress are complicit and chiefly responsible for much of the current financial meltdown and chaos in the United States. Obama, ACORN’s attorney and chief advisor in Chicago during the 1990’s, is “neck deep” in its activities. Obama is also getting support from billionaire Warren Buffet whose Berkshire Hathaway Inc. is poised to make tens of billions of dollars from the $700 billion dollar bailout plan, which is ultimately designed to concentrate the country’s assets and power into the hands of the government (Party apparatchiks) and the power brokers that pull its strings. These events and activities have for the first time in history placed the United States on the path of economic and political Socialism and as a result putting at an end, the Great American Experiment put forth two and a quarter centuries ago by America’s Founding Fathers.

A Question of, “How?” and “Why?”

In the future, as many traditional Americans write their memoirs in their “Golden Years”, they may come to a part at the end and ask, “Why did it happen?”, and “How did it happen?” How did the America we knew and loved so much in our youth in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s fall to the dark forces of apathy, dependency, mediocrity and timidity. Most will come to the realization that while many honest Americans were concerned about being attacked from outside, we ignored the attack from within. Without firing a shot, America’s enemies, including many within its own government, ate away at our cultural, social, political and economic infrastructure in ways that eventually took on the form of an inoperable malignant cancer, metastasizing in the vital organs, eventually killing the patient. Unlike most terminal cancer patients who fight to the end, America as a whole lost its will to fight long before the flat line was declared. Like Rome in the Fifth Century AD and Europe in the mid 20^th Century, America’s enemies could declare victory without firing a shot.

A Time for Choosing

In 1964, Ronald Reagan speaking at the Republican National Convention prophetically made a plea for the American people to make the right choice. History has arguably shown that the election of Barry Goldwater would have probably staved off the malaise and cancer of Big Government that began in earnest with the Great Society of Lyndon Johnson for many decades. At that time, the United States had some leeway and had built up a considerable amount of economic, political and social capital from which to draw upon. The “bank” however has now run dry, placing America at the crossroads of a transformation that will determine its course for at least the next half a century or more.

It is not my job or anybody’s job to tell anyone how to vote or that they have to vote. That is not what freedom, liberty and representative democracy is all about. Make no mistake about it though; I believe in this case that there is a right choice and a wrong choice, if you are a traditional American. The right choice, although not perfect, will give the US the reprieve it so desperately needs to course correct from the Bush Administration’s failings.  There is no Republican candidate, along with his running mate Sarah Palin that could be further in their views away from those of George W. bush.

The wrong choice will give a clear path for the next President to choose at least two if not three Supreme Court Justices; a court that will legislate by judicial fiat, making the US Constitution in essence a “flexible” thus worthless document.

The next President will also find a way to allow those millions of “undocumented workers” from Latin America the right to vote; a dynamic so profound that it will eliminate the Republican Party as a serious contender in National Elections. In other words the US will effectively become a one party state. Hello Hugo Chavez!

This next President would support the “Fairness Doctrine”, promoted by Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton, which says that conservative talk radio and other editorial formats, would have to represent liberals on their board and viewpoints on the airwaves; virtually eliminating the First Amendment and Free Speech. Hello Fidel Castro!

The next President will find it perfectly acceptable for the Obama Youth Brigade in public schools to chant songs of flowery virtue and praise for the “anointed one”. Hello Kim Jung Il!

That next President will probably find it perfectly acceptable for his “Truth Squads” to dictate to local and state law enforcement to crack down on bloggers, journalists and public officials who make unflattering statements about the character of or investigate the policies of or protest the leadership of the Chief Executive. Hello Vladimir Putin!

If the previous statements appear to be the product of conjecture, then I would like to point out that the public record already supports these scenarios based on events and statements made by Senator Obama and his Campaign staff and reported on the New Media Journal and Townhall.com. Never before has any serous candidate or contender for the Office of the President held such radical left wing views and supported by an equally radical left wing majority party in Congress. Even more dangerous, Mr. Obama has no administrative or foreign policy experience and has spent most of his four years in the US Senate, running for President. The combination of his ideology and his inexperience is a lethal cocktail that will explode on the American political, geopolitical and economic landscape leaving it unrecognizable for decades to come.

It will be imperative to all traditionalists and concerned Americans across the country to come out and vote on November 4^th, 2008, in order to counter balance the deception, subversion, corruption and fraud that has characterized the majority party’s tactics in getting their candidate elected. This may be our last chance to let our voice be heard in the way that our Forefathers intended it, so let’s make right choice for all American’s sake!