Thoughts on Freedom

Bill of RightsMany Americans seem much confused about the intent and meaning of our founding documents. For example the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution says that “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This expression of our right clearly states that the people, not a militia have the right to bear arms. It is because the people are guaranteed the right to defend themselves with arms that made militias possible. The militia was the people! Until the Second Amendment to the Constitution is amended or abolished by three-quarters of our 50 states, we the people will continue to have a constitutional right to bear arms. Don’t believe anyone who tells you otherwise.

Another thing the current generation seems confused about is the so-called “separation of church and state.” Some may be surprised to learn that his phrase does not appear in any of the founding documents or any law. The first amendment to the Constitution, however does address very clearly the issue of religion in relation to the federal government, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Therefore, if people in a community want to erect a Christmas crèche in their local town square, our Constitution does not prevent them from doing so. Erecting a Christmas tree or a menorah or any other religious symbol on public property is not Congressional establishment of religion. This notion that public displays of religion are unconstitutional is only believed by those who are misinformed about our laws or pushed by those attempting to either suppress or destroy the sacred beliefs held by others with whom they disagree. The good people of all faiths in this country need to understand that our constitutional right to “the free exercise” of religion is under attack. We need to stand up to this vocal minority of bossy troublemakers who show so much disdain for Constitutional law and who heap scorn upon our cherished traditions. If we don’t organize and stand up to them now the day will surely come when all sublime and beautiful religious traditions as well as some secular ones are forced into hiding. If we let that happen we will all be poorer for it. If you think me too focused on holiday traditions look at this issue from a broader perspective. This war on religion and tradition in our country is just one example of how our rights are being slowly chipped away. If we cherish our freedom, we must defend it wherever it is under attack.

I will leave you with an unrelated, random thought:

Why is it that President Bush was unfairly blamed by the media for the poor federal response to Hurricane Katrina, while President Obama gets a pass on Hurricane Sandy? Surely the people of New York and New Jersey have endured the same sufferings as the people of Louisiana.

Do the people in media, the great majority of whom are liberal, manipulate the thoughts and feelings of the people for their own political agenda?

Frotho Canutus