“The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men.” Samuel Adams

Thursday, November 21, 2013

They Have Earned Our Undying Gratitude?

How many times have you heard those words from our "Commander in Chief"? Now, ask yourself, "What has our nation done to show that undying gratitude?"  It makes you go "Hmmmmm!" when you see articles like "Military's Budget Plan: Cut Pay, Benefits" (http://www.newser.com/story/177744/militarys-budget-plan-cut-pay-benefits.html).

I, personally, am amazed that this nation has allowed the constant and recurring deployment of National Guard units without the declaration of War by Congress. The last time Congress declared war in accordance with Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution was for World War II. I can see the call up of U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Reserve units, but the National Guard should only be called up under a declaration of War to execute Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions. Have you seen any of those since WWII?

In the mean time, we've seen constant reduction of military benefits for both active duty and reserve personnel and their families. We've seen the suicide rate of our military sky rocket because of these constant and recurring deployments IN A TIME OF PEACE (remember, war has not been declared). We see stories of the hardships the families of deployed military living on reduced income while their spouses have been activated and taken from jobs that pay more than the military. We see stories of the disrespect and abuse of our military and ex-military by citizens too wrapped up in what they can get for "free", when they owe those who served and sacrificed for our Freedoms a debt that can never sufficiently be repaid.

America, you need to sit back, take a deep breath and imagine what your lives and freedoms would be like if our military never took that oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Less than one percent of the U.S. population serves in the military of the United States at any one time. They literally sign a check for their lives on demand by a President and Congress who deliberately place them in harms way. In the mean time, we 99+% of the citizenry go about our lives, mostly forgetting that while we eat, sleep, and work, men and women are out there being shot at, blown up, maimed, and killed at the whim of our political process and without the declaration of war. Instead, we should be getting on our knees and praying for the blessing and protection of those who serve and sacrifice so that we might be free.

If you want to show your gratitude, there are many ways to do so. Get involved in community efforts to pack "care boxes" for our deployed military. Many sites offer to prepare and send packages of needed and welcome supplies to our troops for a very reasonable donation. Take the time to go down to the airport and welcome home military who are returning from deployment. Let your heart warm to the glow of their faces when they see you took a few moments to remember their sacrifices and greet them at homecoming. Volunteer at the local USO. Go out of your way to prepare a Christmas card and package of "goodies" for our deployed troops and wounded veterans in hospitals; there are organizations that will send those off to the troops for you. Find groups like H.E.A.R. Our Veterans (http://www.gofundme.com/2qhwgs) to benefit our veterans and give them a platform of support for their concerns and needs. And, finally, remember our service members in your prayers. Matthew 5:9 " 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons (and daughters) of God."

Stand strong, Veterans, Patriots and Preppers!  No Compromise, No Surrender!

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