Today, as we watch an out of control federal government spend our children’s futures into fiscal oblivion, as we watch our own president ignore constitutional principles, and as we watch the greatest expansion of government in our lifetimes and the corresponding loss of freedom it brings — aren’t the issues you and I care about, as your teenagers might say, “so yesterday”?
I mean, we hear it all the time. From media pundits and politicians — even politicians who used to be one of us — we hear the new mantra that there are “more important issues that need to be dealt with,” such as the economy, jobs and our security. However, abortion and traditional marriage — “family values” — are divisive distractions from what really matters.
Just recently, yet another political leader, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels — a “pro-family” Republican mentioned as a presidential candidate — urged us to “call a truce” (see Hot Air) on family issues until the nation’s economic problems are solved. After all, aren’t we all worried about the economy? Isn’t making sure we have jobs so we can feed our families more important right now than so-called “social issues”? (See Weekly Standard.)
That is certainly what the political class in Richmond and Washington want us to think. And wouldn’t it be so much easier for them if they didn’t have to be “distracted” by issues that they deem less important than the economy? So, how do I, the president of The Family Foundation, respond to that? Why do I believe our mission is more important than ever and that you need to be a part of that mission?
While there is no doubt that reinvigorating our economy and getting Americans back to work is a high priority, the way to do that is not government programs and giveaways. It is strong families that provide the foundation for financial success (study after study proves it, read here). Let’s be frank — no matter how good the economy, our nation is in peril if we continue to ignore God’s principles of justice for innocent life and family.
I am increasingly discouraged by what I see around me in our culture and, in particular, the increasing hostility toward religious faith in the public square. Our religious freedom is facing a crucial challenge. I honestly believe that our right to practice our faith — to exercise our religion and voice our opinions in matters of public policy — is in danger. There are a lot of people and groups that want us to shut up and go away. But I can promise you, The Family Foundation is not going away.
We have been here for a quarter of a century and we will be here for another quarter century with your continued help and activism. We are going to continue to fight for values-centered public policy — laws based on our values — regardless of our opponents. We are going to continue to fight for lower taxes, less government, education freedom, strong marriages and, yes, for the unborn, even when it’s uncomfortable for the political class.
It isn’t our job to make politicians comfortable. It’s our job to hold them accountable.
The is a simple reason politicians too often find social issues awkward. People fighting to do the right thing for the right reason get between them and power. Consider America as it was at the beginning of the 19th Century. Relative to their contemporaries in other nations, how much power did American politicans have? That answer is almost none.
Now look at politicians in America today. President Barack Obama invites the CEO of BP to a meeting. At the end of the meeting one of Obama’s cronies finds himself in charge of $20 billion, and the American people think that is wonderful. How gullible can we be? Unfortunatelly, we risk learning the answer. Today’s Americans allow politicans to take 40-60 percent of their income. Faced with the prospect of far less in taxes, the Americans of 1800 had just completed a revolt against the most powerful military force of that era.
Why are we such fools? What is the difference between the Americans of 1800 and ourselves? The Americans of 1800 understood that the ability to run your own life, to practice your own religious beliefs without interference, is the paramount social issue. When government insists upon taking all our money and IMPRESSING UPON US THE VALUES OF CHERISHED SPECIAL INTERESTS, we must cut government down to size. Otherwise, we will wholly become the slaves of those who rule us.
Tom: It’s always great when you visit and comment here. You always give us a lot to think about. Thanks for your continued support of us on your blog, as well. – Steve, The Admin
Steve, thank you for the compliment and your service.
What do I do? I have not invented anything or achieved very much. I just to try to get my fellow citizens to consider religion, ethics, and government from the perspective of the Founders. Why? Because so many of us do not understand the value of what the Founders accomplished, we risk losing what they invented and achieved.
You are correct, Tom, and that is why what you and so many others do is important — and you are one of those who do it very well. Keep up the great work. — Steve, The Admin
These politicians do not believe in the promises given to us by God.
Luke 12:23-25 (KJV)
23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
24 Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?
25 And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
Or are they not familiar with or have any knowlegde of? It is the not the government we need to trust it is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
[...] issues,” perhaps in response to Indiana governor and potential GOP presidential candidate Mitch Daniels, who created headlines last year when he said there should be a “truce” on… (i.e., throw in the towel, traditional marriage supporters and pro-lifers). Last week, Governor [...]