The answer that came from within caused me concerns. That answer: no, they don't. I then asked why they don't understand. The answer I received may be worth pondering.
The answer received has to do with my generation - a generation some refer to as the "greatest generation" because it was my generation that fought World War II, the Cold War and Korea to defeat and push back the onslaught of tyrants who wanted to enslave the world under tyranny. These wars took the lives of more than half a million Americans - including many from my extended family.
Those that returned home from these wars were proud of their accomplishments in winning those wars, and justly so. But the average veteran, in his daily struggle to feed and care for his family, then stood back believing their elected officials would man the watchtowers of freedom with no further efforts to take freedom and liberty from the face of the earth. Remember, World War II, after all, was to end all wars. But the wars did not end!
Few understood then, and even fewer understand today that "Freedom is not bestowed; it is achieved. It is not a gift, but a conquest. It does not abide, it must be preserved."
That generation failed to comprehend each generation must be actively involved in preserving their precious freedoms. And they totally ignored the historical reality that the forces of evil never sleep and, in their quest for self-glory and power, the forces of evil work to establish governments where they, the elite, govern with the people their subjects. They also believe "they [elitist] know better what 'the people' need" then the people themselves.
Today, the liberal left, progressives, are busy, like the termites they are, destroying the foundations of self-government given to America by America's Founders. Fortunately these generations has finally acknowledged their mistakes and are taking steps to correct those mistakes - praying it is not too late. This generation now makes up the bulk of the ever-growing and influential Tea Party Movement, a movement dedicated to defeat the current administration whose goals, they believe, will lead to socialism.
And today I have a suggestion to help them: read and deeply ponder "Seven Miracles that saved America," by Chris and Ted Stewart. Then encourage their children and grandchildren to read it, followed by family discussions about how God stepped in, at the last moment, to bring about a government of freedom for the individual, a government "of the people, by the people, and for the people."
"Seven Miracles" is a book that should be in every school library of America, in every public library, and in the home library of every individual who loves freedom more than life itself. All "believers" will clearly see God's Divine Influence in the creation of America.
Seven of the eight chapters in this book address one of the Seven Miracles, and is written with a historical approach that makes it easy to read. The historical events, many of which have been "cleansed" from America's textbooks today, are accurate and should be well received by each reader who wants to find a way to comprehend the real history regarding the creation of America. This book will do this.
A powerful message in this book is that America is a special nation, raised up by God, so America's peoples government would, by example, "proclaim liberty" throughout the world. America was to, and did, become God's "shining light on the hill" for freedom lovers worldwide. Another powerful message clearly shows how God waits until man has done everything they can, including letting victory seem elusive, before stepping in with his divine assistance help.
This book will help every American concerned about the future of America's freedoms better understand the "real" history of America, better understand how God's Spirit worked with seven individuals and other small groups of people God raised us to bring to pass his goal of bringing liberty to America - and to all the people of the world.
Donald Conkey is a retired agricultural economist in Woodstock.
And today, the extreme right is doing their best to establish a theocratic government which would lead to horrors that would rival Torquemada's.
Donald, get a grip. I think you're a good citizen, but if you continue to call those of us in the progressive "left" names, you'll eventually find a class-action lawsuit at your doorstep.