Men will come and go. Ideas, the true and enduring legacies of great ideas, stand the test of time. Change is inevitable. Change is necessary. But America, now more than ever, needs a leader who stands resolute upon great ideas, navigates change, and inspires others through speech and example to join in our cause that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
So as a young American I agree with the Inaugural Address of 1961 by JFK, “We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans — born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage — and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.”
We need a leader who stirs us to change as a people, as a culture. We do not need a politician who offers more candy to the would be voter, playing to the selfish desires of man for the opportunity of power and fame, veiled in a orators array of false humility and servitude of the people.
We need a leader who believes in this great nation more than himself.
We need a leader who captures hearts for what continues when he is mere dust and ashes.
We need a leader who understands he alone cannot turn this country, but calls out of the grassroots a new identity forged in unity to become a nation of greatness for the betterment of all mankind, gained through grace and generosity, and when necessary power, for safety and security.
As President Abraham Lincoln so eloquently spoke on the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
I do not believe in Republican ideas or Democrat ideas. Exceptional ideas stand the test of time and cultures. Whether orthodox or not, these ideas patented by any person or party produce pride and division. Regardless of the label, we must sift the competing desires of self and make these exceptional ideas our own, each of us.
My sons and I have many times stood with the eternal flame behind and a view of perfectly aligned whitewashed stones of the consecrated Arlington Cemetery before, as I read the engraved words of President John F. Kennedy, “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” Should we not still be asking this question?
We must take up the mantel of responsibility that our rights require, so that democracy will prevail for liberty and justice for all. For where rights are in need and responsibility is in want democracy will fail.
Sincerely,
An Open-minded Gospel-dependent-Christian recovering-conservative Republicrat.
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You can read Intro and Part 1 – Religion in the Public Square, Part 2 – Size of Government, Part 3 – Healthcare, Part 4 – Economy, Part 5 – Entitlements, Part 6 – Common Defense, Part 7 – Right to Life, Part 8 – Marriage, Part 9 – Taxes and Deficit, Part 10 – Immigration Reform, Part 11 – Environment, and Part 12 – Foreign Policy.
The Backyard Missionary 