The following is an updated version of a previously published article (Star-Telegram.com of Fort Worth, Texas, January of 1999.) It seems to be especially appropriate that I post it here as the "inaugural" post for the Common Sense Punditry Blog. A bit of a flashback to the past, to be sure, but still as correct as ever, in my view.
A Call To Duty
When we are born in this country we are automatically granted certain rights and freedoms that exist nowhere else in this world. These rights and freedoms are guaranteed to us by our Bill of Rights, the Constitution of the United States, and it's Amendments. Before these, however, there was a document called The Declaration of Independence. It was signed by 56 brave souls, who, after considering the consequences, risked their fortunes, happiness, and, indeed, their lives, when they announced their defiance of a tyrannical king. Apparently they felt a strong call to duty.
The famous Declaration started a process, eventually a revolution, in which, only 3 to 4 percent of the Colonists participated, and the tyrannical king was forced to recognize their independence. Apparently these participants felt a strong call to duty. Some of them gave their lives and fortunes for the effort.
After the War for Independence was won, many of these same Americans participated in the conventions which resulted in the creation of the afore mentioned documents. It was a long and arduous process that took many years, but eventually, a document was created that satisfied the Governments of the 13 States that comprised America at the time, that there was no possible way that the freedoms that had been hard fought for, would be lost to another tyrant or a tyrannical Federal government. It was called the Constitution of the United States of America, and it included the Bill of Rights. The efforts of these Framers, citizens of the Original Thirteen States, represent a strong call to duty.
From the very beginning of our history in this nation there have been many assaults against our constitution, and our American ideals, some subtle, some not so subtle. There have been wars, and lesser conflicts that have required the need for good men and women to sacrifice of themselves for the good of the nation, and to preserve our constitutional way of life, and the freedoms that are its birthright. Some of these men and women made the ultimate sacrifice, they gave their lives. Some were rendered helpless by the wounds of war and it's inherent horrors, both physically and mentally. I venture to say that even those who were not called upon to enter the actual field of combat, but served, would tell you, if they could, that the times and events surrounding their service changed the course of their lives forever. They all paid a price, but, as citizens they answered the call to duty when it came.
During World War II, during the invasion of Normandy, and the ensuing battle for the liberation of Europe, from June 6, 1944, D-Day, to May 7, 1945, and the surrender of Germany, there were 743,375 total casualties of American Troops. Of these, 435,249 were battle casualties, who either were killed or wounded on the battlefields of Europe.(Ref. Citizen Soldiers, by Stephen E. Ambrose) Many millions of others also served in other theatres and battles around the world, and the foregoing example does not intend in anyway to trivialize the sacrifices they made as well.
Question: Do you think any of these brave souls, upon entering the military, were jumping up and down with joy, shouting, "How wonderful, I am going to be allowed an opportunity to be killed or wounded, or crippled for life in the defense of freedom!!"? I doubt it, but they, as patriotic citizens, did answer the call to duty.
Since that time, those who have chosen to serve have had to suffer through the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War, as well as countless other lesser (but no less deadly, or debilitating for some) conflicts, skirmishes, and so called "police" actions, that are continuing even as I write this letter. These citizens also chose to answer the call to duty.
Today, in my humble opinion, we are faced with a threat greater than all that have come before. In the past, the assaults on our American ideals, freedoms, democracy, and the Republic itself, have all come from outside our borders. Our citizens have responded to the call, as is their duty, and rebuffed all attempts to destroy our way of life. For the last 80 or so years however, there has been a steady chipping away of the freedoms that we are guaranteed under The Constitution.
The forces who would steal, and the forces who have the power to either keep or give away the birthright for which many brave Americans who have fought and died are within our own borders. They are called Globalists and Congressmen. The Globalists seek to subject the entire world to some sort corporate socialism with all workers under the thumb of the ruling elite. (The United Nations?) Your elected representatives, both Congressmen and Senators are the only entities that stand between success or failure of the Globalist's agenda. Which way will they go on this very crucial issue? Will it be for the Constitution and the American People, or will it be the Executive Branch and its cronies? Who will they represent? This brings me to the point of this message; the role of the Citizens of the United States of America.
As Citizens, we are expected to vote for our representation, and a few of us do just that. However, many don't. They simply discard their franchise, thinking that "just one" vote won't matter. After the elections, those elected represent all of us, whether we voted or not. Whether we choose to vote or not, we are still subject to serve in the military, pay taxes, and otherwise live by the rules set by those elected representatives. So, if we want a voice in our government (of the people, by the people and for the people), we need to fulfill our responsibility as citizens, and communicate with those who are elected, and let them know how we feel, and what we think about the critical questions that they are called upon to decide everyday.
To underscore the previous statement, I quote a member of the Judiciary Committee (during the Clinton impeachment hearings of 1999), who happened to be leaning against recommending impeachment to the full House of Representatives, and whose name I do not recall. He said, "It (my decision) will depend on how the people focus on this". I believe with this statement, he is actually asking for a directive from his constituents. He was calling on them to do their duty, and govern.
Will you do your duty? Will you write, call, fax, email, or otherwise contact your congressperson and speak your mind? Will you become proactive, and help our country by urging everyone you know to read this letter, and pass it on to everyone they know? If your answer is yes to the previous question, then you must know that time is critical. Will you do it today? Right now? It will only take a few minutes of your valuable time, and seems such a small price to pay considering all those who have died to maintain your freedoms, and your ability to speak out. They did their duty, now it is time for you to do yours, and by doing so, save the American way of life for generations of our children to come.
You can reach your congressional representative at the Capitol switchboard number then just ask for them by name. The number is (202) 224-3121. If you prefer, it will be just as effective to call the local office for your congressman. They will get the message just the same. When you reach your congressman's office, ask them to do their duty, and uphold our Constitution!
