Citizen Soldiers

"A nation can survive its fools, and even the ambitious. But it cannot survive treason from within." Marcus Tullius Cicero 42 B.C.

Without getting too hyperbolic, the recent decisions handed-down by the nation's highest court, and the shameful capitulation by the majority's notorious "Gang of Seven" to the liberal minority -- were nothing short of a repudiation of the Declaration of Independence and a betrayal of the U.S. Constitution.

Clearly the nation as we know it will not long survive unless the people get involved in the political process at every level. Complaining about the judicial activism plaguing America isn't going to solve the problem – only countering those responsible through sound appointments, removing them through impeachment, or restricting their reach through legislation, is going to save our republics' freedoms.

As for the supposed conservative majority, out of the seven GOP turncoats (McCain, Graham, DeWine, Warner, Chafee, Collins, Snowe), THREE of them are up for re-election in 2006 and they've been marked to be turned-out of office. For better context, I suggest you read Pat Buchanan's analysis in "After the McCain mutiny." But first, because God is still on the throne, I lead-off this month's column with a couple of essays that suggest we can be hopeful about our next generation.

Remember, you and I can still make a difference. In a constitutional republic, we are the power, but we cannot exercise that power without putting our lives on hold log enough to clean the socialists (liberals) and phony conservatives out of public offices. We are the people of this government and now the people must put their actions where their mouths are, and begin the process of running for office.

Because freedom is not a spectator sport, through the end of this year I will personally be exploring a run for public office in 2006. During this interim period, I'd love to get your feedback.

May God continue to bless these United States,

Roy J. Tanner



The Days of Independence

The year was 1775. Addressing the Virginia Convention, Patrick Henry stated, “Gentlemen may cry, peace, peace—but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!”

Over two centuries later, we continue to celebrate this country’s independence as we reflect on the price that our founders paid. Their call to arms reminds us of the choice that is set before us as well—either acquiesce to bondage and tyranny, or stand-up for a liberty that’s been secured by blood. Apparently, freedom isn’t free. For Christians, the spiritual parallel to our physical struggle for independence has been celebrated for over two millennia—the freedom from sin and (eternal) death that’s offered through the Savior’s sacrifice at Calvary.

When our Lord began His public ministry, He selected a passage to be read in synagogue from the prophet Isaiah—“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord”(Isaiah 61:1-2). Graciously, He chose to omit the second half of verse 2 that dealt with God’s vengeance at His second coming. Returning to His seat the Lord then proclaimed, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:18-21).

Until the Lord’s second coming, under this dispensation of grace, the church is commanded to proclaim the “good news” of independence from sin and death that’s availed by grace through faith in Christ (Matt. 28:18-20). A few years back, my daughter had an opportunity to join a mission trip to Jamaica with other high-school students from our church. They helped finish the flooring and exterior of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in poverty stricken Steertown, renovated the homes of elderly residents in St. Anne’s Bay, and ministered to impoverished young girls at the government-run Windsor Home. Although these are not the typical activities that come to mind when you think of Jamaica—they are directly related to the heart of God.

According to the experts, over 200,000 people come to a “saving” knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ every day somewhere in the world. When Jesus said, “the harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matt. 9:37)—He was inviting us all to join in His “call to family.” Mission’s work then, doesn’t necessarily happen just overseas, but rather in our own backyards as well. Do you know anyone in your sphere of influence that’s been seeking truth, but has instead been blinded by worldly philosophy? Are you aware of someone in your circle of friends who labors under the bondage of substance abuse or carnality in their search for fulfillment? These situations are the opportunities that God has set before us to make a difference for other's good and His glory.

While most would agree with these sentiments, many are unsure of what advice to give. With this in mind, this site includes many links that you may find suitable for someone in need that’s been on your heart. While our victory was accomplished at the cross, the battle still rages within the hearts of unredeemed mankind.

Let’s resolve to join the “unarmed services” in spreading the truth that will set the captives free—during these days of independence.

Roy J. Tanner



The next “Greatest Generation”

"Renewed in our strength tested, but not weary, we are ready for the greatest achievements in the history of freedom" President George Bush


History looks favorably upon previous generations that faced their challenges with the courage of conviction. As a young adult in the 21st-century, I often wonder what contributions my era will make to our world and how we will be remembered.

Of this much I’m sure though, to whom much is given, much is required. That said, my generation will surely be measured by the opportunities we had and what we did with them. For me, any understanding of my generation's potential begins with reflecting on the question of “What does it means to be a citizen of the United States of America?”

As a U.S. citizen by birth, my parents and extended family influenced my original frame of reference and helped to foster in me the love I have for my country. My grandfather, for example, served as a naval officer in the Korean War, and two of my uncles have previous military experience as Marines. Combine this with my Dad’s civic activity and geo-political interests, and it becomes apparent that appreciation for my citizenship now, was instilled at a young age based on my patriotic heritage.

When author Tom Brokaw labeled my grandfather’s era “the greatest generation” in his best selling novel, he bestowed a title that was won by their blood, sweat and tears in defense of the free world. It’s hard to imagine the sacrifices they were called to make when they confronted and prevailed against the peril of Nazism and the threat of Communism. But like me today, they must have drawn their strength from those who had gone before them.

United States history is rich with examples of heroism and devotion from its citizens in response to a cause that’s bigger than self-interest, namely that of liberty. From the time of the American Revolution, when Patrick Henry challenged fellow statesmen with, “give me liberty or give me death,” to our Civil War era, where the nation renewed their resolve during president Lincoln’s stirring address at Gettysburg, its been the citizen soldier whose answered the call to defend our homeland. And while every culture may sense a special place in history, most agree that what’s exceptional about the U.S. is best seen in its citizens, as each successive generation defends and pursues anew the American ideal.

It all started with a unique experiment where government was created and empowered by the consent of the governed. Our Declaration of Independence acknowledged "the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God" and that each citizen was “endowed by their Creator with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” And our Constitution leverages the age-old lessons of democratic Greece and the republic of Rome, bound by the governing principle of our Judeo-Christian heritage. As a result, our representative form of government “by the people, for people,” harnesses the passion of individual liberty, and guards against the rise of tyranny through the equal separation of powers.

Since our nation’s founding, the promise of American freedom has acted as a magnet for immigration worldwide. This draw was part of the American experience for my mother’s parents as well, who arrived in the U.S. as immigrants and later became naturalized citizens. They came to this country to build a better life for their family, understanding it would require both initiative and determination. Now as a leading physician in his community, I guess you could say my grandfather succeeded. Our greatness as a nation is built on the diversity of such people, who come to "the land of opportunity" subscribing to the same dream-- to become American citizens.

Today, as the world’s lone super-power, the results of this noble experiment are self-evident. Highly diversified and technologically advanced, the U.S. is the leading industrial power in the world. Somehow with only 5% of world’s population, America controls over 25% of the world’s wealth. And because we're a generous nation, the U.S. also leads the world in foreign aid. Surely, no other nation on the face of the earth has been blessed like America—and it’s all because of our founder’s desire to honor God through framing limited government, by and for a liberated people. [1]

Now that we stand unsurpassed in our wealth and power, what should we make of it? In addition to being grateful for our heritage, I believe we must continue to be active participants in democracy's continued advancement -- because the American ideal is a work in progress. By definition, democracy cannot thrive without the active involvement of its citizenry. And every time we exercise our right to vote, or write our elected representative, or volunteer our time in community service -- we serve a cause bigger than self.

In addition to legacy, individual ideal and participation, part of what it means to be an American citizen requires we acknowledge that our strength as a nation lies within the individual, and that each person's dignity, freedom, ability and responsibility must be honored. We will continue to enjoy equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity, only to the extent we remain vigilant. [2]

Likewise, protecting our free enterprise system and encouraging the individual initiative that has brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity, will continue to be critical. Finally, Americans should continue to value and preserve our national strength and pride--while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world. For the spirit of liberty is a God-given yearning of humanity. [3]

This is an extraordinary time to be alive. As a nation we’re limited only by our willingness to face the challenges of this new era with the courage of conviction. Like our forefathers, if we're faithful to answer our call to citizenship, we can advance the heritage we inherited, while building the next "greatest generation."

"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." JFK

May God continue to bless the United States of America,

Jacqueline R. Tanner

[1] CIA Fact Book
[2] President Bush at the RNC
[3] RNC


After the McCain mutiny
By Patrick J. Buchanan
© 2000 WorldNetDaily.com
© 2005 Creators Syndicate Inc.


It is being called "the McCain Mutiny."

On May 23, Senate Republicans were poised to disarm Harry Reid and Co. of the weapons they have used to kill the Bush judges. Every hostage still held by the Democratic minority was about to be freed.

And the Senate was about to dynamite the last obstacle to President Bush's honoring of his pledge to end judicial activism. The road was about to be opened for two, three or perhaps four Supreme Court justices, who would bring an end to the social revolution that has been imposed upon us from above since the time of Earl Warren.

Victory was at hand.

Majority Leader Bill Frist had the 50 votes to pass a rule permitting the majority to ensure each judicial nominee gets a vote, up or down, and none is smothered to death by a tyrannical minority.

But that evening, Sen. John McCain and six other Republicans defected and threw victory away. They agreed to let Reid and Co. keep the filibuster-veto, if they would agree only to use it in "extraordinary circumstances."
The naiveté of the moderate Republican is a thing to behold.

Only 72 hours later, those "extraordinary circumstances" suddenly arose, as Reid and Co. beat John Bolton to a bloody pulp, refused to let the Senate vote to confirm or reject him and sent him back to his cell.

Not to worry, said the McCain Seven. Bolton is not a judge. He is only the president's nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. By bringing Bolton out for a ritual beating and dragging him back to his dungeon, our Democratic colleagues did not violate the Spirit of Munich.

The filibuster-veto is the moral equivalent of letting a mob tie a man to a whipping post and lash him almost to death, without a trial, while denying the majority the right to set him free. Under the filibuster-veto, at least a dozen conservative judges have seen their good names smeared by Senate demagogues, as in a show trial, but been denied a vote by the full Senate on the truth or falsity of the charges against them.

This is un-American. But now we are instructed by McCain and his colleagues that Senate comity requires this tactic be made a permanent Senate institution.

For dissing his colleagues and Frist, and leaving Bush's Supreme Court nominees subject to a filibuster gauntlet and death by a thousand cuts, McCain is being hailed as the conscience of the Senate. But the ball is now back in the court of the majority, Frist and President Bush himself.

Will they accept the demand of the McCain Seven that the president "consult" them on all future appellate and Supreme Court nominees? And does that mean prior approval? Will they accept a minority veto of Bush's judicial choices? Will they accept the deal cut by the McCain Seven that freed three hostages – Janice Rogers Brown, Priscilla Owen and William Pryor – but gave Reid, Ted Kennedy and Barbara Boxer a conceded right to take future hostages under "extraordinary circumstances"?

In brief, is the Republican Party bound by this Munich? If it is, the GOP has lost its last chance to change the composition and course of the Supreme Court, and Bush's legacy will be as diminished – as was that of his father and every Republican predecessor since World War II.

Dwight Eisenhower said that his nominations of Earl Warren and Bill Brennan were two of his biggest mistakes. Nixon came to office determined to recapture the Supreme Court for constitutionalism. But after Judges Haynesworth and Carswell were rejected by a liberal Senate, he was persuaded to name Harry Blackmun, father of Roe v. Wade, for which three of Nixon's four nominees voted. Only William Rehnquist dissented.

President Ford's lone choice was John Paul Stevens, the most reliable liberal on the court. Reagan elevated Rehnquist to chief justice and named Antonin Scalia, but his first choice was Sandra Day O'Connor, who is now reading up on international law to find out how she should rule. After Robert Bork was keel-hauled, Reagan named the mugwump Anthony Kennedy. Bush's father named cipher David Souter, but redeemed himself with Clarence Thomas. And so it has gone.

Since Nixon, then, Republican presidents have named 12 justices to the Supreme Court. Three turned out to be "strict constructionists" who look for guidance beyond the rulings of the Warren Court, as they should, to the Constitution of the United States.

The mega-issue here, then, is: Who shall rule us? Shall it be unelected Supreme Court justices? Or elected legislators we can replace at election time? Is America a judicial dictatorship or a constitutional republic?

If Frist and President Bush cannot break up the McCain Seven and bring two of those senators back to supporting majority rule, the game is up. As Barry Goldwater used to say, "It's as simple as that."

Patrick J. Buchanan was twice a candidate for the Republican presidential nomination and the Reform Party’s candidate in 2000. He is also a founder and editor of the new magazine, The American Conservative. Now a political analyst for MSNBC and a syndicated columnist, he served three presidents in the White House, was a founding panelist of three national television shows, and is the author of seven books.