“Nothing will ruin the country if the people themselves will undertake its safety; and nothing can save it if they leave that safety in any hand but their own”
– Ronald Reagan – The Notes
Senseless Tragedy in Isla Vista
I begin this tribute in great sorrow. Once again, mental illness and most probably psychotropic drugs (I admit that I am making a prediction here) have been the cause of a horrific tragedy in the deaths of 6 innocent people, one deranged attacker, and 7 wounded (some gravely) innocent people. My prayers go out to the parents, siblings, and friends of the slain. May God comfort them in the face of this terrible event.
The senselessness of this tragedy weighs on my heart. The deranged attacker left an incredible video if his intentions – a video that wholly illustrates the dangers we all face from mental illness. We also live in a free society. It becomes very difficult to identify and stop potential mental criminality without risking excesses.
When the facts are available, we need to address possible solutions and preventions. While the investigation goes on, let us take the time now to pray for the victims and their families and friends. The political arguments can wait. Pray now. And pray that God give us wisdom to proceed.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is Monday. Most folks will be having back-yard barbecues, celebrating with family and friends. It is seen as the beginning of summer. But, it is a day of remembrance of the great fallen heroes that have given their lives for the sacred honor of their country. I think of Lexington and Concord, The Battle of New Orleans, D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Inchon, the Tet Offensive, the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and so many more where our brave men and women fought for our right to be free. And not just to be free to live our lives as we choose, but free from enemies without and within.
What have we become in response to this shedding of the blood of the brave? Have we been the brave soldiers of the home front, defending our magnificent Constitution and defending the most free society to have ever occupied the face of the earth? Have we done the best we can do to preserve equal opportunity and personal responsibility? Have we encouraged personal achievement and have we been teaching our children how to achieve on their own and how to win?
I know that I preach to the choir, but, ask yourselves, are you doing all that you can do to preserve and restore this country to that which our founding father’s gave to us? If so, congratulations! If not, please just do a little more. We are at a serious crossroad. This administration has tossed dirt on the brave survivors of our wars with a corrupt and incompetent Veterans Administration. We need to do all we can to reverse everything this administration has accomplished. This election season is only the start. Vote for someone who you KNOW to be faithful to our values. Then let’s elect a president in 2 years that will actually preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.
Say a prayer at your dinner table on Monday. Pray for our country and its heroes.
– SBTP President