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Mark Caserta: Remembering media on National Day of Prayer

11 May

me

Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot editor

5.11.2018

 

NDP

 

 

Last week, I was honored to be asked to participate in the National Day of Prayer celebration on the Cabell County Courthouse lawn and lead a prayer for our nation’s media.

Here’s an excerpt for our readers:

“Good afternoon. It’s truly an honor to be here among brothers and sisters who believe in the power of prayer.

“On this National Day of Prayer, we’re not just celebrating a day, but our ability to communicate with God the Father, the Creator of the universe, on behalf of our great country and our great people.

“There’s a progressive movement in our nation that would like to shut down this sort of celebration, under the guise of the 1st Amendment. But, the phrase ‘separation of church and state’ isn’t found anywhere in the Constitution. It does say Congress should make no law respecting one religion over another, but it also says they can’t prohibit the free exercise thereof!

“Why do some wish to shut down events like this? The Bible tells us the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much! The left simply doesn’t want prayer influencing their agenda.

“While the National Day of Prayer is a noble day of celebration, it’s important we pray for our nation’s leaders every day.

“It’s equally important to pray for an influential media that report on events relative to leaders and events around the world, as well as right here in our own city.

“So, please bow your heads with me as we pray for our nation’s media on this National Day of Prayer.

“Gracious Heavenly Father, we come before you in the name of Jesus, the Christ, your only begotten Son, who gave his life freely, so we may have life and have it more abundantly.

“We thank you first for your Grace, Love and Mercy. We thank You for every good and perfect gift, as we know it comes from Above.

“Father, we thank you for our nation’s media. Throughout the years they’ve been integral in sharing the Gospel. We’ve been blessed with journalists who’ve honored the principles of journalism and objectively reported truth in a virtuous manner.

“But Father, as the enemy often does, Satan has attacked and prejudiced some media on his behalf. And we know, his only purpose is to steal, kill and destroy.

“Father, we refuse to allow evil to gain or maintain a foothold in our nation’s media. We recognize various attacks across the country and God’s people will not be shaken!

“So, today we take on the whole armor of God on behalf of the media.

“Ephesians 6:11-13 gives God’s people instruction in preparing for battle:

“‘Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.’

“So, Father, prepare us for battle. We take up the shield of faith to quench the enemy’s fiery darts, we take on the helmet of salvation and most importantly we prepare for battle with the sword of the Spirit – God’s Word, which endures forever.

“Father, we know your Word will not return void. Let this day be marked in history as the day we crippled the enemy’s attack on our media.

“And all God’s people say,

“AMEN.”

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

 

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Mark Caserta: What if Hillary had won the presidency?

4 May

me

Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot

5.4.2018

 

hillary-goodbye

 

So, Progressive Democrats continue to mourn their unexpected loss in the 2016 presidential election.

I’m not certain, but I believe I witnessed a distressed liberal wandering aimlessly the other day, humming “The Way We Were.”

But seriously, isn’t it time to check the animosity at reality’s door? Suppose Hillary had won the election. What would the “state of our union” likely be at this point in her presidency?

Americans certainly wouldn’t be enjoying their tax cuts resulting from the president’s tax reform legislation. Liberal Democrats would never have given you a tax break. Taking more of your hard-earned money is the pillar of the Democrat platform!

Millions of Americans would not have returned to work as a result of President Trump reining in non-productive government regulations. You would probably be experiencing additional job-killing regulations, further decimating our workforce and driving more families into poverty.

The Obamacare individual mandate also would still be in force, mandating everyone purchase health insurance or pay a penalty to the IRS. I believe a Clinton presidency would have eventually led to a single-payer healthcare system, giving the government ultimate control of your life.

We surely wouldn’t be experiencing the decrease in illegal immigration Trump has achieved through his tough stance on border security. I believe the borders would be porous to anyone able to “pull a voting lever” for a liberal Democrat who would provide them sanctuary and a pathway to citizenship.

The Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines that Trump signed orders moving forward would still be stymied in government bureaucracy. Hillary would never have disenfranchised her base of environmental purists by allowing these pipelines to be built, strengthening energy and jobs.

Oh, and the coal miners we see returning to work would not be. After all, Hillary told America, “We’re going to put a lot of coal miners and coal companies out of business,” at a CNN Democratic Town Hall in Columbus, Ohio.

Remember the Islamic terrorist organization known as ISIS, or the “jayvee team” if you’re Barack Obama? Many recall the horrific beheadings, burnings or drownings at the hands of these barbarians. If Hillary was elected we would still have a president refusing to even utter the words “Islamic terrorist,” much less empower our military to do what it does best – win.

Speaking of the military. It was never weaker or less feared than under Obama. Trump signed a massive defense bill authorizing an additional $700 billion for the Defense Department, with the goal of making America’s military great again. Under Hillary, I believe our military would have continued its dangerous decline, further emboldening our enemies.

President Obama infamously drew a “red line” with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria warning the dictator not to use chemical weapons on his own people, only to lack the backbone to enforce it. No doubt, Hillary would lack the same intestinal fortitude. In contrast, Trump dropped an array of Cruise missiles into Assad’s back yard.

Who do you suppose would have the most deterring impact on this ruthless oppressor?

The reality is, if liberals had successfully elected Hillary, our nation would have continued down the road to “fundamental change,” or ‘progressive demise.

It’s a no-brainer for anyone intellectually honest. Despite the deleterious, liberal policies employed for eight long years, America is winning once again.

And with or without liberal support, Trump will continue to put America first.

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

 

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Mark Caserta: Trump presidency part of a divine plan

27 Apr

 

me

Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot editor

4.27.2018

 

team trump

The importance of the relationship between the United States and Israel cannot be understated. As a major contributing factor for evangelicals casting their vote for Donald J. Trump in the 2016 presidential election, one might say the relevance of our relationship is of “Biblical proportion.”

The relationship between our two nations was arguably on a downhill spiral during the Obama years. No previous American president has ever engendered such a precarious relationship with Israel as Barack Obama did. Our entire U.S. foreign policy was upside down, with our enemies not fearing us, and our allies not trusting us.

But the Trump presidency not only promised to right the troubled ship of U.S. foreign policy, but to restore our coveted relationship with the nation of Israel.

Late last year, President Trump announced the U.S. would formally recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. embassy accordingly. Decades of prior administrations had vowed to do the same. The decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital was heralded by many pro-Israel activists and decried by Palestinians and America’s Arab allies.

But true to form, Donald Trump didn’t adhere to the politically expedient or safe mode when acting on behalf of Americans. He simply did what he said he would do.

It’s refreshing to have a president who defies the unprincipled political parameters designed to protect and pacify one’s way into a lucrative political career. Trump doesn’t need money from lobbyists or activists, nor does he care which foe’s feathers he ruffles! He’s comfortable being the antithesis of a career politician and is changing the way Americans view their representation in Washington.

Give me one moment of God’s favor over years of political pandering anytime!

In the Bible, the Hebrew prophet Zechariah reminds us of “the burden of the Word of the Lord concerning Israel.”

“Thus, declares the Lord Behold, I am about to make Jerusalem a cup of staggering to all the surrounding peoples. The siege of Jerusalem will also be against Judah. On that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples. All who lift it will surely hurt themselves.”

Of Israel, Genesis 12:3 says, “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Many, including myself, believe we are living in the final days before the second coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Christ. I know this faith is mocked by some. They alone must account for their disbelief. But I’m fully persuaded that despite Donald Trump’s imperfections, he’s been placed in the office of the presidency for a purpose, possibly beyond anything we could ever anticipate.

Many are aware Donald Trump wasn’t my first choice as president. But throughout history, God’s always chosen the most “unlikely” among us to fulfill His Word. And while I’ll not be led as a sheep to slaughter, I believe our president is a work in progress.

God created each of us with the ability to choose our path in life. Our choices, while impacting our lives and possibly those around us, will not impact God’s Word and Divine Plan for Israel.

Mock as some may, I believe the presidency of Donald J. Trump is part of that plan.

And God surely watches over His Word to perform it.

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

 

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Mark Caserta: Millions of Americans are grateful for Trump

22 Apr

me

Apr 20, 2018

 

president trump

 

 

Donald Trump is making America great again, just not for liberals.

While millions of Americans are enjoying the “conservative reawakening” President Trump has sparked within our nation, they’re also becoming increasingly aware of the irresponsible, self-serving, liberal antics to discredit our president.

And it’s making them angry.

From even a common-sense perspective, given the improvements for Americans in jobs, taxation, the economy, illegal immigration, healthcare, national defense and so many other areas since Trump was elected president, how can liberal Democrats continue to mount their campaign of resistance?

I submit it’s an unprincipled war against Americans who elected this president to return our country back to the path of prosperity, all in the name of protecting the progress liberals enjoyed under the Obama administration.

But despite the progressive petulance, millions of Americans reaping the dividends from the Trump presidency are grateful for the improvements in their lives.

Of course, liberals don’t seem thankful that Americans are once again prospering under President Trump. They would rather have speeches and empty promises, than a president committed to “America first.”

Frankly, the antics of the left have become so incredulous, it’s become downright embarrassing for liberal Democrats.

The recent return of ex-FBI Director James Comey and his interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC News was nothing short of demeaning to a revered law enforcement organization like the FBI.

Nestled safely beside Clinton ex-crony Stephanopoulos, Comey revisited unverified claims about President Trump’s alleged 2013 activities with prostitutes in a Moscow hotel room, for which Comey admitted there has never been evidence to support.

Astoundingly, Comey freely admitted the so-called “dossier” generated by Democrats and Hillary Clinton and used by the Obama administration to obtain a FISA (Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act) warrant to spy on the Trump campaign contained totally unverified information.

If Comey knew the allegations in the dossier were salacious and questionable, how did he present it to the FISA judge? Unverified and unsubstantiated information would fall short of obtaining such a warrant.

Did Comey, who supposedly represented an apolitical organization, lie to the FISA court about the dossier simply for political reasons?

During the interview, Comey exposed his lack of character when he compared President Trump to a “mob boss” and felt compelled to make disparaging remarks about the size of Trump’s hands and the color of his skin.

Folks, isn’t it clear, liberal Democrats have absolutely no credulity to leverage against President Trump? Isn’t it terribly sad and telling they’re willing to continue to blame our country for their sad representation in the 2016 presidential election.

I predict the voter perception between reality and liberal fantasy will continue to widen as more Americans become aware of liberal Democrat motivations. Their quest to delegitimize the presidency of Donald J. Trump at the expense of the American people will surely backfire.

I fully suspect voters will take their epiphanies regarding liberal politicians all the way to the polls in the mid-term elections.

Mark Caserta is a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

 

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Mark Caserta: Winning the battle requires Christians to take on the Whole Armor of God.

14 Apr

 

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Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot editor

4.14.18

bible 3

A personal message for those struggling right now in the face of Washington, D.C. corruption and progressivism:

Jesus knew in the last days we would face our fiercest opposition. Those days have arrived.
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The Bible says when we’ve done all we know to do…stand your ground.

These are the days for which God provided the third person in the Trinity – the Holy Spirit.

The Bible also tells us, when we’re not sure how to pray, pray in the Spirit and it will become exactly what the God of the Universe needs to hear.

So, the battle has arrived. We knew it would. So, in preparation for battle, it’s time to take on the whole armor of God…

We now don the Shield of faith, the Sword of the Spirit, the Helmet of Salvation, the Breastplate of righteousness,our loins girt with Truth and our feet shod with the “preparation of the Gospel of Peace. And the “Glory of the Lord” will be our “rear” guard.

Just remember…the battle is not ours…it’s God’s. 
WE WIN – period!

I believe with all my heart, our president is the appointed man for the right time in history, by God the Father. Throughout history God always chose the most unlikely heroes – remember Saul?

So stand firm in the Faith, my brother and sister and witness the POWER OF THE ALMIGHTY GOD. For it is not by power nor might that we win, but by My Spirit says the Lord of Hosts.

And let God’s Word be true and every man a liar.

Amen

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Mark Caserta: Liberals inject misinformation in gun debate

13 Apr

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Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot editor

4.13.2018

 

AR 15

 

 

The assertion by the left that “fewer guns mean fewer crimes” is simply not based on fact.

Violent crime may be on the increase in some areas of our country, but it certainly isn’t due to law-abiding citizens purchasing guns.

One would be inclined to believe that a rationally minded, intellectually honest individual would understand that when guns are taken away from law-abiding citizens, only criminals will have guns.

It’s interesting liberals are strict constructionists when interpreting the Constitution in matters of civil rights and social injustice in America but vehemently declare it to be antiquated in addressing the gun violence we face in our nation today.

I never cease to be amazed how political expediency impacts progressive reasoning.

Isn’t it a reasonable expectation for anyone sincere about defending their cause, such as politicians, anti-gun groups and members of the media, to be adequately educated in the matter? Frankly, the ignorance of some of the most vocal gun control advocates is astounding!

Perhaps if these individuals spent as much time researching the facts as they do rattling their emotional sabers, they could comprehend the truths of the issue and contribute to a real solution.

A routine error by many people is to refer to a semi-automatic carbine as an “assault rifle,” a fully automatic weapon designed for purely offensive purposes. Many carbines have shorter barrels than full-length rifles, making them cosmetically similar to a military rifle, but they certainly don’t function the same.

For example, how often do you hear liberals describe the AR-15 as an “assault rifle” and argue, “the average citizen has no need for one?” Well, it may surprise you to know many gun enthusiasts enjoy shooting their firearms for sport just like many of you enjoy golfing or fishing. I personally enjoy target practice at the range with my sons.

And here’s a little tidbit for the left. The letters “AR” don’t stand for “assault rifle” but “ArmaLite,” after the company that developed the weapon in the 1950s.

Nor does the “AR” stand for “automatic rifle,” as assumed by many inadequately informed pundits. This “evil” weapon, so often decried by the left, is a semi-automatic rifle, like most of the firearms sold in the U.S. This means it fires one round each time the trigger is pulled. AR-15-style rifles are no more powerful than other hunting rifles of the same caliber and in most cases are chambered in calibers less powerful than common big-game hunting cartridges per the National Shooting Sports Association.

Additionally, the term “assault weapon,” a gun control moniker often unwittingly brandished in the gun debate, is a name fabricated simply for influencing.

According to Bruce H. Kobayashi and Joseph E. Olson, writing in the Stanford Law and Policy Review, “Prior to 1989, the term ‘assault weapon’ did not exist in the lexicon of firearms. It is a political term, developed by anti-gun publicists to expand the category of ‘assault rifles’ to broadly cover everything from shotguns to standard-capacity handguns,” or anything they want to eliminate besides the real culprit – the shooter.

The misinformation progressives carelessly leverage in the debate ostensibly delegitimizes their anti-gun position. And if progressive methodology holds true, “baby steps” toward gun control will, no doubt, turn into “liberal leaps” in years to come, hence the NRA’s firm stance on the 2nd Amendment.

Law-abiding citizens have a right to protect themselves. Nearly every horrific mass shooting committed through the years has been done void of an opposing force – a properly trained individual, adequately armed and mentally prepared for such an attack.

When only criminals have guns, we’ll be at their mercy.

Patriots who believe in the 2nd Amendment simply aren’t going to allow that to happen – period.

 

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

 

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Mark Caserta: Liberal immigration argument all about votes

6 Apr

me

Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot editor

4.6.2018

 

sanct

 

 

Stymied by the policies of the Trump administration, the progressive movement seems to be adapting its methodology accordingly.

In harmony with the prior administration’s marketed desire to “fundamentally change America,” it seems the foremost passion of present-day progressives is to prioritize the rights of illegal immigrants in our nation over the rights of law-abiding citizens.

This is particularly interesting given that historically Democrats have agreed we must protect our borders from illegal immigration.

In his 1995 State of the Union address before a Joint Session of Congress, President Bill Clinton said:

“All Americans, not only in the states most heavily affected but in every place in this country, are rightly disturbed by the large numbers of illegal aliens entering our country,” President Clinton said. “The jobs they hold might otherwise be held by citizens or legal immigrants. The public services they use impose burdens on our taxpayers. We are a nation of immigrants. But we are also a nation of laws …We must do more to stop it.”

A 2017 Boston Globe column written by Annie Linskey reminded readers of Democrat support of the “Secure Fence Act of 2006,” authorizing a barrier along the southern border. This act was passed into law with the support of 26 Democratic senators, including Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden and Chuck Schumer. Then-Senator Barack Obama also extolled the legislation.

“The bill before us will certainly do some good,” Obama said on the Senate floor in October 2006. He praised the legislation, saying it would provide “better fences and better security along our borders” and would “help stem some of the tide of illegal immigration in this country.”

So, what’s changed? Why do liberal Democrats now want more illegal immigrants in our nation as well as the ones already here, protected from deportation?

I believe the reason is clear.

The Obama administration’s socialist attempt to delegitimize the exceptionalism of America failed miserably. In fact, it was deemed so destructive to our society, it helped elect Donald J. Trump. U.S. citizens simply had enough of the liberal experiment wreaking havoc with their daily lives and chose to take back their government.

Liberals have learned they simply don’t have enough credibility in mainstream America to adequately convince enough Americans to effectually propagate progressivism in the U.S. to the degree they would like. The answer?

Change the players! Bring in enough “ringers” to successfully stack the electorate deck in their favor.

Why do you think Democrats are so supportive of chain migration, sanctuary cities and any other initiative that allows illegal immigrants to enter our nation or protects the ones who are already here?

Per multiple researchers, including the National Review, an estimated 70-80 percent of Latin American immigrants will vote Democrat. I believe the percentage is much higher if an immigrant feels compelled to feed the hand that protects him!

Liberal Democrats understand if they’re successful in their mission to “purchase” multiple demographics with your tax dollars, they’ll be assured of the presidency and control of Congress for decades! It’s important for them to capture as many dependents as possible in their government net and find a way for them to vote.

Isn’t it ironic liberals propose new gun laws which will have no impact on protecting law-abiding citizens but ignore immigration laws that will protect our citizens! Clearly, liberals choose to leverage the rule of law only when it’s politically expedient.

Americans must understand why the liberal stance on protecting our borders has shifted. It’s about regaining power.

And frankly, they couldn’t care less about it’s socioeconomic impact on our nation.

Border security must remain a priority.

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

 

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Mark Caserta: Liberals in denial over Trump’s wins for America

30 Mar

me

Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot editor

3.30.2018

 

state of trump

The Trump presidency is benefiting America in many ways. Among them is exposing liberals for whom they really are – partisan extremists who apparently despise Donald Trump more than they love their own country.

I was certainly not a fan of President Obama, but when he did something good for our nation, albeit seldom, I supported him. Sadly, liberals are choosing to selfishly relinquish our nation’s prosperity rather than support President Trump.

For nearly a year and a half, liberals have done everything from propagating fake Russian collusion to interviewing hookers and adult film stars to discredit this president.

I can’t help but shake my head when I see the mainstream media, as well as local columnists, focusing on Trump’s “womanizing,” his “associations” or his time spent on the golf course as examples of how he isn’t “fit” or “qualified” to be president of the United States.

Where were these liberal cynics during the “porno-presidency” of Bill Clinton, during which no less than eight women accused “slick Willy” of everything from sexual misconduct to rape during his controversial political career? Yet, he’s become iconic to liberal Democrats!

Where were the progressive dissenters during the “socialist presidency” of Barack Obama when questions arose regarding his association with Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dorn, unrepentant terrorists with the Weather Underground, an organization responsible for bombings, killings, violent protests and other anti-American activities during the 1960s and 1970s?

And if playing golf is a detriment, please! President Obama was on the fairways soon after tragedies such as the brutal beheading of American journalist James Foley by the Islamic State.

Don’t insult the intelligence of the American people with your double-standard assault against our president. It’s clear your wrath is birthed from your realization Donald Trump is rapidly eradicating the progress liberals enjoyed during the Obama presidency.

And conservatives, “let not your hearts be troubled” as the mainstream media attempt to persuade Americans the Trump administration is in chaos. These are the same left-wing prognosticators who assured you Hillary would win in a landslide.

So, while liberals languish in progressive denial, let’s delight in some of Trump’s accomplishments, shall we?

President Trump gave Americans a huge tax cut by passing GOP tax-reform reducing individual rates as well as corporate rates. Apple Inc. will reportedly bring hundreds of billions of overseas dollars back to the U.S. and pay about $38 billion in taxes, while investing billions on domestic jobs, manufacturing and data centers in coming years, per Fortune.

Neil Gorsuch’s confirmation to the Supreme Court to succeed the late Antonin Scalia was a tremendous win for Americans. This preserved the court’s narrow conservative majority and paved the way to improve that majority moving forward.

Cutting massive government regulation for businesses has truly been a signature win for President Trump, prompting a resurgence in the energy industry. The president also expanded oil drilling in the Arctic and Gulf of Mexico and approved the Keystone XL pipeline rejected by his predecessor.

President Trump empowered our military commanders to effectively deal with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, rendering them virtually powerless in the region, saving countless lives.

And as our nation’s GDP continues to climb, our economy is surging and jobs are rapidly returning for all demographics.

President Trump may act a little unorthodox at times, but that’s OK. It’s refreshing to have a president unconcerned about being politically correct.

So, despite liberals attempting to distract Americans from his accomplishments, President Trump is proving he loves his country much more than playing politics with feckless swamp dwellers.

Stop taking your hatred of Trump, out on your country!

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger and a Cabell County resident.

 

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Mark Caserta: Each of us has a role in defending our republic

24 Mar

me

Mark Caserta:  Free State Patriot editor

Mar 23, 2018

america

 

 

Following the Constitutional Convention of 1787, Benjamin Franklin was asked by a citizen, “Well Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?” It is said, Franklin responded, “A republic, if you can keep it.”

So, how have we done, as citizens, to “keep” our republic? Have we guarded it in a manner befitting our forefathers’ vision?

At the Battle of Gettysburg, 50,000 brave men died in three days. Shortly afterward, President Abraham Lincoln consecrated the ground in a speech famously known as The Gettysburg Address. Lincoln’s remarks, while short, were meant to resonate forever in the hearts of men and women across this great land.

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”

But has the flame in Lincoln’s oratory dimmed over time? Nearly 150 years later, are our hearts resolved “that these dead shall not have died in vain,” and this nation under God shall be swaddled in the freedoms provided by their sacrifice?

Frankly, the number of people in our country who aren’t engaged with its governing is troubling. Many with whom I’ve spoken simply say it doesn’t interest them.

But our elected officials were hired to frame, within the Constitution, the very environment in which we live and raise our families! Not only should you be interested, you should be helping facilitate their representation!

Our freedoms are envied around the world, and there are entities, both foreign and domestic, that would render them void or transform them into something unrecognizable. And I submit, we’ve entrusted those freedoms to our elected representatives and they should be held accountable for protecting them.

A classic film directed by Frank Capra nearly eight decades ago always reminds me of the vulnerability of freedom within our own government.

“Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is the story of Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart), leader of the Boy Rangers, who is appointed by the governor of his state to the Senate, where he is teamed with his state’s senator and childhood hero, Sen. Joseph Paine.

As with many “junior” politicians who have “visions of grandeur” for their constituents, Sen. Smith discovers the multiple deficiencies of politics, including his hero, Paine. He falls prey to the “so-called” political machine, which after failing to corrupt him, attempts to destroy him with a “fake news” scandal.

But, Smith, with some coaching from a savvy political assistant, learns just enough of the Senate’s parliamentary procedure to filibuster the chamber until his message of truth emerged.

Where are the Jefferson Smiths today? Is it possible they’ve become so mired in the swamp they can’t or won’t be heard above the fray?

If so, it’s because we’ve permitted it.

We witnessed in the 2016 presidential election how engaged voters can bring the political machine to a grinding halt. Subsequently, we’re witnessing government being returned to the people in an unprecedented timeline. Together, we helped return our nation on the path to greatness.

Our representatives weren’t hired to do our thinking. America is only as strong as your knowledge and engagement.

Your voice is crucial. Your vote is non-negotiable. Your duty is clear.

You are “We the People,” defender of the Republic. Will you help keep it?

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

 

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The Washington Free Beacon: Congress Gives Itself a Bonus in Omnibus

22 Mar

congress

Senate increases budget by $48 million, salaries by $12 million

BY: Elizabeth Harrington
March 22, 2018 4:15 pm

The House and Senate increased their own budgets in the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending package.

The Senate increased its total salaries of officers and employees by $12.6 million in the 2,232-page bill that lawmakers had fewer than 48 hours to read and vote on. The bill avoids a government shutdown that would take place at midnight on Friday.

Aside from giving their own institutions a bonus, the omnibus also gives away millions to prevent “elderly falls,” promote breastfeeding, and fight “excessive alcohol use.”

The legislation increases the Senate budget to $919.9 million, up $48.8 million from fiscal year 2017, according to the congressional summary of the bill.

“The increase provides funding necessary for critical modernization and upgrades of the Senate financial management system and investments in IT security,” the summary states.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives increased its budget to $1.2 billion, which is $10.9 million above 2017 levels.

Salaries of staffers in the Senate are also set for an increase. Division I of the legislation breaks down the total salaries of officers and employees, which are being raised from $182 million in 2017 to $194.8 million in the final bill, an increase of $12.58 million.

The Senate also increased its expense account, as expense allowances are going from $177,000 to $192,000, an increase of $15,000.

The House, however, kept its budget for salaries the same at $22.3 million and lowered expenses by $4.4 million.

Committee offices got an increase of $22.9 million in salaries, from $181.5 million in 2017 to $204.4 million in the final bill.

The omnibus also boosts funding for health research, including a $3 billion increase to the ever-growing budget of the National Institutes of Health.

Health care spending in the omnibus includes $4 million to combat “excessive alcohol use” through a CDC prevention and health promotion program.

Another $15 million goes to study “high obesity counties” and an increase of $5 million for the CDC program that seeks to “address obesity in counties” by leveraging “the community extension services provided by land grant universities who are mandated to translate science into practical action and promote healthy lifestyles.”

The bill also spends $2.05 million to prevent “elderly falls” and $8 million in the form of “breastfeeding grants.”

The legislation also mandates the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau to improve “wine label accuracy.”

The House passed the spending package Friday, and the Senate is expected to follow.

 

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