These are not my words, but they are powerful.  They provide a good lesson that is so true--and sobering.  This piece is rather long, but very worth the time it takes to read.

February 12, 2010 by Sharon Sebastion, Bear Essentials contributor.

Though Marxism seeks to rid society of God, Hitler allowed religions.  Early in his political career, he praised Catholicism.  Initially, he also was favorably inclined towards Christianity.  In time as he garnered power, Hitler came to find Christianity particularly troublesome when Christian pastors spoke out against his systematic annihilation of Germany's Jews.  Hitler set out to wash the veneer of Christian beliefs from German society.

Mid-1800, the false scientific justification to deny God as Creator started with a man named Charles Darwin.  Darwin's theory of evolution divided humans into superior and inferior status.  Darwin, in his own writings, labeled people of color, in particular black people, as sub-par and sub-human.  The appeal of such a theory held great appeal to men who both denied the existence of God and sought superiority over fellow humans.  Among them was Karl Marx, the father of Communism...Equally grateful to Darwin were mass murderers Lenin, Stalin, Mao and Hitler.  All wrote of Darwin's influence on them and their policies to oppress masses of people.

In time... [Hitler] sought a new religion that would spring from the Nazi party and pagan Swastika as its symbol to replace the Cross in Germany's New World Order.  In time, Hitler allowed comment that:  "You can be German or you can be a Christian, but you can't be both".  Hitler declared, "Evolution was the natural order of things," allowing him to debase Jewish people, homosexuals and the disabled to a lower evolutionary scale.  He allowed that "National Socialism and Christianity cannot co-exist together".  Historians record that Hitler's religious views vacillated as his power grew until it became difficult to discern if the god Hitler actually worshipped was himself.

Hitler created the National Socialist German Workers Party (Nazis) and surrounded himself with men who were atheists or occultists who shared the desire to replace Christianity with a religion that did not require conscience...Himmler stated a preference for the faith of anti-Semitic Muslims who were willing to die for the German cause to attain a reward in their heaven...Hitler made his memoir, Mein Kampf, the official bible of Nazism.

Historians reveal that, in time, power turned [Hitler] inward to self-worship that perpetuated a growing alienation resulting in the imprisonment and death of Christians.  Nazi Germany stands as a warning to all societies that look the other way or tolerate a denunciation or assault on Christianity and Judaism by their political leaders.

Karl Marx described Socialism and Marxisn as interchangeable.  Socialism merely greases the skids from Capitalism into Marxism.  Marxism and Fascism need to eliminate God so that conscience is muted and the government can become god in people's lives.  Socialism strips people of initiative, innovation and self-reliance and encourages a dependence on government, "the new god", from cradle to grave.  Americans are highly resistant to becoming wards of the state.  The danger lies with a plethora of laws being passed that are currently legislating values and principles of faith out of American life.  Laws in process in Congress carry fines and penalties to force all people to fore go personal and religious liberties.  Marxism, Socialism, and Fascism, counter America's founding faith.  History begs that Americans take heed if America is to remain one nation under God with liberty and justice for all."

This last paragraph is particularily chilling in terms of what has been happening over the past two weeks with the Obama administration mandating that religious organizations provide contraception and abortion coverage in their health care insurance policies. The issue is really about much more than whether or not a birth control pill is provided. Those very words about eliminating conscience have been spoken by those close to President Obama.  He--and other elected officials--ARE trying to legislate faith and conscience out of American life.  We need to learn from history, take action, and not allow history to repeat itself lest we someday wake up and find ourselves in a society reminiscent of World War II Germany.  If we don't open our eyes for ourselves, lets at least do it for our children.

Good News/ Bad News

My youngest son, Bram, age 7, loves to be outdoors.  This is great and fits well with my philosophy of parenting that kids need to play outside.  However, I have to admit that I am getting really sick of the daily pile of very dirty, muddy clothes from him running around like a typical little boy climbing trees, sliding down (muddy) hills, and all of the rest.  So the other day as he was heading outside, I said, "don't get all dirty today!"  (what was I thinking?)  A little while later, he comes to the door and says, "Mom, the good news is that I am not ALL dirty, just my butt".

So do you want the good news first or last?  We'll go with first. In three GOP primary/caucus races yesterday, Rick Santorum had an awesome finish.  He sailed to victory in all three states, and not only claimed first place, but did so with amazing leads.  While I happen to be a Rick Santorum supporter and  am happy for that reason, there is more to the story.  Even if I were not, I would still find the results exciting.  For one thing, it is one of those "Rocky" moments where the underdog comes from behind.  I have always been a stickler for that.  But more than that, it upsets the establishment script.  That is reason to cheer in and of itself.  I hate it when the Party heads (whether Democrat or Republican)  and the media try to determine these races ahead of the time.  How long have we heard that it would be Romney that gets the GOP nomination?  Then the narrative turned into "it is a two man race"--meaning between Romney and Gingrich.  Before yesterday, less than 10% of the states had held any form of election, yet the race had been determined as far as the talking heads were concerned.  That annoys me.  I love it when the whole story gets turned upside down and they are left scratching their heads!  Instead, the American people spoke.  We are reminded again that our votes count!  We can take solace in the fact that fellow Americans do not just blindly go along with what "the script" says, but they voice their own opinions and choices.  Whether you are a Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Rick Santorum, or Newt Gingrich supporter (or none of the above), that is good news for all of us.  Whoever the eventual nominee is, we need it to be someone elected by the people, not the media and Party leaders.  Way to go, Rick Santorum!

Now for the bad news.  In recent days, the White House and it's administration have released the details of their latest vice grip on Americans through the guise of "health care".  It has to do with religious organizations providing for birth control and abortion coverage under their health insurance for employees.  The government is now requiring that organizations like Christian backed colleges or hospitals have to provide this coverage even if it goes against the church's teachings.  Churches themselves will be exempt from providing this coverage, but an institution like Catholic Social Services or a Christian private school would not.  No matter what the organization feels about this.  Why should that possibly be a consideration?  After all, we would not really want to practice religious freedom, would we?  Now don't be fooled, you might have heard yesterday that the administration has backtracked on this.  What they have decided is that these institutions have one year to comply.  Or in the words of Lanny Davis, commentator and former Clinton White House administration member, put it this way:  these organizations have a year to come to terms with these matters of conscience.  Oh great.  You oppose abortion, so we will give you a year to get used to the idea before we make you support it in one way or another.  That sounds like liberty.

No matter where you fall on this issue, it should concern you for the simple fact that the White House is trampling on our country's heritage of religious freedom.  When our religious institutions loose the freedom to implement policies based on their faith, we are in a very dangerous place as a country.  As usual, those touting "freedom of choice" only champion it when it goes in one direction----the path to more contraception and abortion.

In other news, now coming to college campuses near you...the ability to purchase The Morning After Pill in vending machines.  Right next to the machines are the advisories to see the school nurse if you need a Tylenol.  They might be a bit too dangerous without some supervision.

I think I would have rather heard about my son's muddy pants.

Fearful Voting

One of my children had a very difficult time potty training due to some GI issues.  Feeling quite frustrated and like we would never get this task completed, I sought out a doctor's help.  I remember her looking at me and saying, "They will not graduate from high school in diapers.  I promise".  I think it was her kind way of telling me to get a grip, stop operating out of fear, and leave the unrealistic scenarios behind.

I feel like we should apply that same type of practical sentiment to the current Republican Presidential primary race.  We WILL have a Republican candidate in the end.  It may not be our first choice, but let's face it, any of the four candidates left in the race would do a better job at running the country than President Obama.  For that matter, my cat would do a better job at being President than Obama.  She likes to sleep a lot, but he likes to be out playing golf all the time, so it would even out.  Besides, she wouldn't create anymore debt for our country.  That alone would help us and keep us from accruing untold more trillions in debt.  But I digress...Polling in Florida last Tuesday indicated that the number one reason people had for choosing who they voted for was the need to beat Obama.  While that is important, I think people are almost in panic mode.  They are so fearful that Obama will win in November, that they are letting that fear drive who they are voting for instead of choosing the candidate that they think would do the best job.  If everyone would vote for who they really like, maybe the Republican Party would actually end up with a candidate that people like and are excited about getting behind.

Once the candidate is chosen will be the time to put both feet in even if we don't like the candidate.  That is the time to unite and make our first goal beating Obama.  But the primaries should be the time for rooting for your guy, for taking the opportunity to cast a vote for the person that most closely matches your ideals, principles, and values.  If your state hasn't held its primary yet, vote for your first choice.  Don't let fear dictate your vote.  There will be a candidate.  If it isn't your first choice, that will be the time to acquiesce if you must. 

One final note, don't let the media decide for you either.  I am sick of hearing that the race is between two candidates only.  Last I checked, there were still four guys running.  And just because history has shown something in the past, like no one has gone on to win the candidacy without winning Florida, doesn't mean things can't change.  This is OUR election.  Make your vote count.  Vote for who you think is best.   Don't let fear cast your ballot. 

1,000 and Counting...

Have your children, or grandchildren, ever celebrated the 100th day of school for the school year?  You know, they have the kids bring in a 100 of something--marshmallows, M & M's, stickers, etc. and then they share them with one another.  They play games based around "100" and celebrate that they have made it that far in the school year.

This past week our government passed the 1,000th day without having a budget.  One thousand days.  No budget. Amazing.  Much of the blame rests with the Senate.  But it really doesn't matter--the fact is the same, our government has operated without a budget for 2.7 years.

Have you ever served on the board at your church, or maybe your local youth softball league or a Boy Scout Troop?  I have.  And you have a budget--and you have to follow the budget.  If you purchase a bottle of glue, it has a category that it is itemized under.  And you had better make sure it is accounted for and tracked.  That is how it works.  Your budget is subject to review by other members of the organization too.

But somehow our government is operating without a budget--without any accountability.

So I have a proposal.  Let's help them celebrate this occasion.  Maybe we could send them 1,000 copies of the United States Constitution for starters.  Or how about 1,000 quotes from our Founding Fathers reminding them of the need for fiscal responsibility in our government?  Oh, and here's an idea.  We could require them to cut 1,000 things from their office budgets.  Something like no commercial airline flights back and forth between their home district and D.C. might be good.  They could all buy Chevy Volts and drive back and forth--or maybe try Greyhound bus transportation.  Or here is one--1,000 days without meeting with a lobbyist to make up for the 1,000 days without showing some fiscal responsibility.  That would serve a duel purpose:  save us some money for pet projects and hold them in check for a while.

Maybe 1,000 phone calls from their constituents would be a good idea too.  The U.S. Capitol Switchboard number is 202-224-3121 just in case you are wondering...

What is "Growing Conservatives"?

Just what does "growing conservatives" mean?  Well, that depends on who you are and what you are trying to do in life!  We all can work on doing a little growing, and we can probably all learn a little bit more about being conservative.

From my angle as a mom of three kids, I am looking at literally "growing some conservatives"!  I am trying to raise my kids to understand what it means to be conservative--in many different realms.  I would classify us as "conservatives" when it comes to religion.  We are conservative in our approach to what is allowed as appropriate viewing on TV and movies, music selection, and video games.  My daughter has to dress modestly (conservative) and the boys can't do things like run around with their jeans showing their boxer shorts underneath.  (Could somebody please tell me whoever decided it was cool to show off your undergarments?)  My husband and I are trying to teach our kids about conservative principles like leaving some money in your bank instead of spending every last dime on the Wii game you want and that taking the time to find an item on sale is worth the delay in getting it when you save a few dollars.  And of course there are political philosophies we are trying to instill.  Sometimes I think we are getting there in all of these realms, and other times I see we are missing the boat by a mile!  But the ultimate goal is to have three kids that grow up to be conservative in all of these realms.  Those values and principles do not come over night--the seed isn't planted one day and the flower produced the next.  The seeds are sown, and the children grow and develop with time, letting these ideas and values shape them, becoming interwoven in their lives and thoughts and actions.

But kids are not the only ones that need to do some growing.  The last presidential election showed us that.  People were enamored by the idea of "hope" and "change" and someone that looked a little hipper and seemed a little more modern than what they may have envisioned as President in the past.  They ignored experience, qualifications, personal history and the like and voted based on what had less to do with traditional reasons and sound political ideals and more that had to do with superficial qualifications and pop culture.  The population at large misunderstood what "fundamentally" changing America meant, because the vast majority of the population didn't have a firm grasp of what the fundamental principles are that America was founded on and what makes it the greatest country on earth still today.  Those principles have to be taught.  People have to be made aware of valid historical truth--not the historical fiction being taught in many schools and propagated in much of our media.  So adults need to be cultivated into conservatives as well.  Those of us that are already conservatives need to work to grow conservatives from our ranks.  Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers--anyplace we have the chance, we need to be planting those same seeds of conservatism that are planted with growing children.  In order to turn around the direction of our country and ensure that we have an election cycle in 2012 that produces political conservatives, we all have work to do to influence those around us on being conservative.

And of course, when we talk about influencing others and teaching them, we would all do well to think of the Biblical principle of "getting the log out of our eye before getting the speck of dust out of another".  I certainly thought I was pretty up on my US history and understood political conservatism a few years ago.  Then I got involved with the Tea Party.  I began to realize that there was so much I wasn't aware of.  I was exposed to the thoughts and experiences of others.  Wiser people than myself began to interact and dialogue with me personally and in broader realms.  I began to realize that I needed to define my own ideas and ideals about what conservatism is really about.  I need to go back and look at history and some of the great writings of our Founding Fathers and their intentions when establishing this country.  Great books like The 5,000 Year Leap  (and so many others) and re-reading the Constitution of The United States have educated and reminded me about things essential to understanding our country's foundations and history.  Simple things like reading quotes from our Forefathers have enlightened me and helped me to better understand why certain principles and actions are so important to adhere to and promote.  Some principles just never become modernized or outgrown.  So, those of us that are conservatives probably have some growing to do as well.

So, join me on the journey!  We have dirt to cultivate, seeds to sow, and a whole lot of tending and weeding to do along the way.  Just as growing a garden takes patience, persistence, prayer, a bit of varmint chasing, and a lot of attention before the harvest is reaped, so does the process of growing conservatives.  But by working together and each doing our own part, I am confident we can reap a harvest that will feed and sustain current and future generations.  The first phase of the harvest is the November 2012 election.  So, come on, get on your gardening gear, get your tools together, and lets get planting!  By November we can have a whole new crop of conservatives and that is what it is going to take to preserve and protect our great country--The United States of America!

Final Set Up

this is purely for setting up the blog and not an actual post