Let me refrain something I’ve said before: there are reasons why nations that embraced Christianity have prospered.  There are reasons why western culture has flourished with invention, discovery, and scientific breakthroughs that have increased the quality of life for mankind.  It was not due to humanism, atheism or secularism or socialism but to Christianity—which brings revelation, light and the truth that sets men free.  Peace, freedom, and prosperity are the gifts of God upon an obedient people who live according to the teachings of Christ found in the Holy Bible.  That is the key to understanding our nation’s strength and success, our salvation and hope for the future. 

            If you want to strengthen your freedom, strengthen faith.  The Founders knew this—they established this country upon Biblical principles.  They established a government with limited powers, allowing for the maximum exercise of freedom among the people, and they exhorted us never to forget—that for freedom to be sustained, it must exist within the context of a morally sound culture.  That culture depends on the flourishing of civil society—of smaller, private institutions that mediate between the individual and the state.  Yes, there are also reasons why the vast expanse of government under the New Deal and the Great Society paralleled the rise of social pathologies, the breakdown of the traditional family, and the development of a permanent dependent class.  Spending that increases the size and scope of government cannot go on forever—from a moral or economic standpoint.  The more government takes over, the less room it leaves for all the components of civil society—individuals, businesses, community organizations, churches—indeed, the less room it leaves for any meaningful freedom at all.   

            I explain all of this, because now is the time we ought to be reminded.  We must hold the lines on some things or our freedoms may be lost.  When Congress and the Courts begin to stretch their powers beyond the limits of the Constitution, there is no limit to it, and no security for the people.  Only the people through political elected Representatives may curb the abuse and stop the trend.  That is what is at stake in the election of 2011-2012.  What is needed in the Congress is tough-minded conservatives of the right stripe—those who are constitutionalist, States rights conservatives who understand the proper role of government and who also understand that the most important defining characteristic of freedom, of self-determination and identity, the basis of all legitimacy for government and for human life itself is God and the expression of the people’s religion where they live.  If States answer to the People and not the other way around, then we most certainly may and are always well advised, to acknowledge God publicly, in our courtrooms and in our schools.  Impeachment is the answer for modern liberal judges who stamp on State sovereignty and the will of the People and, who infuse the Constitution with a so-called living doctrine that will kill our liberty unless we put a stop to it.   

Historically, even before they got the right to vote, women were the moral standard bearers for society and led most of the church activities and social movements that improved conditions in America.  Today the call goes forth again, in many races.  I know that women and men will answer it.

______________________

Wesley Allen Riddle is a retired military officer with degrees and honors from West Point and Oxford.  Widely published in the academic and opinion press, he serves as State Director of the Republican Freedom Coalition (RFC).  This article is from his forthcoming book, Horse Sense for the New Millennium scheduled for release in September (iUniverse, Inc., 2011).  Email: Wes@WesRiddle.com.