“Government is like fire. Controlled it provides warmth and comfort.
                        Uncontrolled it’s destructive”—–George Washington.

Herb,
 
Here are some of my thoughts on the question you asked. Hopefully others will give their thoughts on your question. Then an abridgement could be made by you and sent to our elected officials—it would help them to know what’s on people’s minds.
 
Joe
                                   
                    “What can we do”?
 
In my opinion, to answer this question one needs to consider three major points.
 
First we must look at motivation. To fully understand what the word motivation means, I’d like to share the example given by a motivational expert, given to a management group at Rockwell International Corporation. “An inebriated man on a dark night, headed for home, decided to take a short cut through a cemetery. He fell into an open grave. After several attempts to reach the top, he gave up and sat at the foot of the grave, going to sleep with his back against dirt wall. A little later a young man taking the same short cut fell into the same grave. The young man’s attempts to reach the top woke the drunk. After watching the young man’s attempt for awhile, he spoke up and said ‘You’ll never make it’. In one bound the young man was on top—he was MOTIVATED”.
 
We who desire to put America back on a conservative path need to have the motivation of the young man in the story. We need to find individuals with similar beliefs who will run for elected offices, and help them get elected. As we go about our daily activity, we meet and chat with people. In the course of chatting, we sometimes touch on issues being encountered (gas prices, cost of medicines, school concern, etc). Issues that people talk about become political weather vanes (right now it’s the price at the pump). Another way to get the “pulse” of the people is through town hall type party meetings, with the chairman or vice-chairperson acting as a moderator, where people can share their concerns on issues and exchange ideas. Such forums, lasting approximately an hour, will allow the “chair” to gather major concerns and pass them on to our representatives (local, state and national). Forums could be set on a monthly, bi-monthly or whatever time table. Local, state and national representatives would have an open invitation. This activity will produce those with strong convictions to become recognized. They become potential candidates.
 
Apathy, lack of historical interest and corruption among those that govern has brought down more than one great civilization. Knowledge, historical and general, is the basis for freedom. This can be achieved in the family by many fun ways. Trivia pursuit or jeopardy game is one way, historical videos, computer games that deal with history or geography. Knowledge, challenging our minds to think and learn, is the key to remaining a free nation—it makes glib politicians harder to lead us astray with false ideas and promises.    
 
Second, we must recognize and overcome existing problems:  Classroom discipline, in our public schools, is mainly out of control, making it difficult for those students who want to learn; teachers who teach their social agenda (Anti-religious values, anti-national pride in country and gay lifestyles as normal), or against our way of government (Teaching a socialistic agenda) instead of pure, basic academics (science, math, history, geography, government, English, etc), and then can’t be removed (Tenure via NEA union); Judges who push social agendas and overturn the will of the people (Congress); Destruction of the basic Judeo-Christian foundation on which this nation was founded (being politically correct). Judeo-Christian teaching establishes a good order of social behavior to one another, and to society in general (Love one another). The founding fathers realized that such principals strengthen a nation—if truly followed; Destruction of family unity via porn, entertain that is counter productive to family togetherness (dramatizing immoral behavior as normal), stressing money and success over family togetherness (families whose members are no longer close to each other or look after family members–narcissist); Drug use and experimentation (Using illegal drugs to either cover up low esteem or to get thrills, becoming an addict); Unsecure borders that allow illegal immigrates to enter our country, and then to be treated as one of our citizens; Dramatizing the use of violence to satisfy believed injustices;  An energy problem that can destroy our nation’s economy and lead to war; Those elected to govern us more interested in career longevity than the health and strength of the nation (Placing self and career before country).
 
I’m sure that I’ve missed several problems confronting our nation today, but the ones listed will do for now.
 
Third, we need to consider possible solutions and begin elimination of the problems. Let’s take the problems in the order they were listed:
 
We need to reward teachers who teach their students pure academics, placing greater emphasis on science, math and American history, and remove those teachers who teach subjects counter to the over-all good of our nation (teaching against religious values and anti-Americanism). The founding fathers of this nation were learned men who studied the histories of past great world civilizations to learn what brought them about and what caused their downfall. They also studied great thinkers of past great civilizations (Socrates, Aristotle, etc.), and their writings, to glean their wisdom. They had Judeo-Christian faiths and a strong belief in the bible and its effect on social behavior (Whither one believes in the bible or not, the social behaviors it espouses are good to follow and should be taught in our schools). Just how important was religious faith to the great men who brought about this nation? Let me paraphrase in today’s words a statement made by Ben Franklin, “Can a great nation long endure, that turns away from the God who made it great”? Look at what’s happening today. Then consider the prophetic statement of Daniel Webster, “If the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of this land, anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign without mitigation or end”. Doesn’t that describe today? A statement made by Thomas Jefferson has been twisted, causing the expulsion of religious beliefs from our schools and public properties. In trying to give religion freedoms to all, he stated that there wouldn’t be a state only type of religion, similar to what happened in England under Henry VIII. This is where the “separation of church and state” ruling came from. Thomas Jefferson had no intention of removing the teaching of religious principals in schools or in public; he was against one national faith, only.  The youth in school today will one day be the foundation by which this nation either survives and grows in stature, or be destroyed as other past great civilizations (Egypt, China, Greek, Persia, Roman, etc). What they are taught to believe in, based on fact becomes crucial—the correct path our nation needs to take must be taught from generation to generation, if our civilization is to grow and continue. We must return to our Judeo-Christian foundation in our schools and nationally.
 
Judges need to be chosen who uphold laws put forth by the people’s elected representatives (Congress) and meets constitutional requirements. Selection of judges need close scrutiny as to their rulings on judicial issues as applied to laws passed by legally elected officials. Judges who alter the law by twisting it to meet their social agenda need to be replaced. If our nation is to survive, its peoples need to pay closer attention to selecting who they want to govern them, placing the good of the nation ahead of their personal wants (Just laws for all).
 
Family unity is being attacked in many ways today. Bringing back and stressing religious principals in the home (Love one and other), setting aside time to be together as a family and to enjoy each other’s company fortifies harmony and unity. It wasn’t that long ago when family members got together and enjoyed playing board games (Trivia pursuit, monopoly, life, scrabble, clue, etc.), together. Now there are many computer games that can be fun and educational to play as a family. Good VHS and DVD movies are out that can be enjoyed as a family. There are many programs on the History, TLC, National Geographic and Discovery channels that are interesting to watch as a family. Whatever brings the family together for at least one night per week is good and helps to counter all the negative elements now put forth. An evening “talent” show, with family members putting on the show, can be fun. All contribute to family unity and family pride, a formidable shield from outside influences. If enough families nationwide boycotted offensive movies and TV programs that sear over our sensitivities and moral behavior, and boycotted the products being advertised, we’d have better entertainment and closer family ties. Ever consider trying to get laws passed that would give greater tax incentive to the production of family entertainment that can be exciting to the whole family, those that encourage family closeness? Making money guides the entertainment industry, be it good or bad. Religion also plays a big part in family unity. An old adage states, “The family that prays together, stays together”. Attendance in our churches is down. The strength of a nation is based on the strength of the family and God.
 
Illegal drugs are a scourge: Use of illegal drugs (Opium) has been around for many years, but the 60’s’, flower children years, launched a massive nationwide drug use. Could it have been triggered by a world war ending in 1945 followed so closely by the Korean War (1950) and Vietnam (1965), and the removal of prayer and religion from schools? Removing acknowledgement of a Supreme Being or power and good social behavior from being taught to the youth in school weakened our nation and stressed families. It was a time when many youth “turn off and turn on” to drugs, a rebellion against authority. The battle against use of illegal drugs goes on today. Illegal drugs contribute to violence, robbery, immorality and death. Drugs are the “thrill rides” that destroy family unity and in several cases the mental and physical health of the drug user. How does one solve such a complex problem? A few years back I tried to discourage drug use to a young user. He asked me if I had ever tried illegal drugs. I told him that I hadn’t. His comment was, “if you haven’t tried them how can you say they’re bad”? To that I replied, “I haven’t tried Russian Roulette either”. Use of illegal drugs is like playing Russian roulette.
 
Energy is critical to industrialized nations. America has been blessed with an abundance of many sources of energy (Oil, coal, hydroelectric, uranium, solar, wind). Use of these valuable resources has been curtailed by Congress and radical (extreme) environmentalist.
 
We have, according to government sources, more environmentally safe to extract oil and gas reserves than all that in the Middle East combined. In my opinion, the most logical way to get relief at the pump is to supplement our imported oil with 12 million barrels of oil from our national reserves (this will show to the world we’re serious about our oil independence). This, with new refineries, will reduce oil futures speculation and quickly reduce price at the pump. There’s presently too many blends of fuel (15) required by different states—standardize with the best of the blends. Immediately remove restrictions on oil production in off-shore, shale oil and drilling in the 2,000 acre ANWR (Alaska governor wants this). According to a reputable major drilling company, Oil production in Gulf of Mexico can be realized in 12 months. This would give time for other wells to be drilled and oil began to flow. By turning on the oil spigot, some of this oil could be used to replenish oil taken from our reserves, making us all the more secure. The oil we have available will give time to phase in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (CA already has 25 stations to serve hydrogen fuelled autos, and 40 more planned). General Motors and Honda are beginning to build cars that use hydrogen fuel.
 
Construct more nuclear power plants for electrical power. France now gets 80% of their electrical power from nuclear power plants. Much of European trains are driven by electric source. We could put up the necessary electric cables over our rail system in the next 30 years, similar to what we did with our interstate highway system. This would greatly reduce the demand for diesel fuel. Wind and solar could be added to the power grid system. America has the “know how” and will, if congress will get out of the way.
 
Secure our borders first, are a “must do”. We may be already too late on this, but we must meet the challenge. Our nation needs to try and locate those that are in our country illegally, beginning now. Our national sovereignty and safety of our people are at stake. A possible approach for securing our borders would be: (1) Build a duel fence along our border, separated by 12 feet. (2) Install surveillance and night vision cameras, and sensitive electronic monitors, powered by solar panels with backup power sources (to conserve energy). (3) Strategically locate Border Patrol monitoring stations where BP agents can monitor fence surveillance and alert field agents on patrol. (4) Beef-up staff at Ports of Entry and use state of art devices to check for nuclear material and drugs, and all entry be by Visas.
 
Those illegally in our country and gainfully employed can be issued an annual worker’s card (plastic card similar to a credit card used by banks, with magnetic reader identification) that has their photo, thumb print and any necessary data information on that individual. This card can be renewed annually until the individual becomes a citizen, if that is their desire.
 
Those presently serving honorable in our military, in harm’s way, will be given special consideration by a review panel on an individual basis. 
 
The card (for guest workers) and the machines to read them (at border crossings) would allow them ease to go back and forth across the border, eliminating present illegal actions. The expense for illegal individuals presently here, and their family members (children); must be provided by the employer (medical insurance, housing allowance and cost of education). All those that become American citizens can retain their heritages, cultures and language for their personal use, but, English is the national language. For them to succeed and obtain what America offers, English must be learned, same as those who emigrated from Europe and other nations had to learn. America is too diversified to try and cater to any one language—our national language is English. If immigrants want to become American citizens English is a must.
 
This is what I think we should do. Hopefully others will take the time to express their view on this topic—several minds working a problem can come up with reasonable and logical solutions. The Chair can then abridge the many inputs and come up with the best course of action.

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Isn’t government presently out of control? Isn’t government wasting taxpayer’s money? Through badly negotiated foreign trade agreements and high corporate taxes, is government driving American companies overseas, causing the loss of jobs? Is government making our borders secure? These are questions that need addressing, not political pacification by empty promises. Voters need to study the issues and become more active in selecting who will govern them.
 
Americans appear to fall into three categories: (1) Electing those who govern us as though a sporting event—backing and electing a party “team” member, without considering what they propose is good for the county. The team mentality is good in sports but bad in government. (2) Then there are those who support and vote for the candidate that “buy’s” their vote—promising government handouts, as though government was some big money tree that only needed to be shaken; failing to grasp that they are that “money tree” via taxation. (3) The knowledgeable voter who carefully studies the issues and promises made by candidates before voting—those in this group are few, but believe in putting the good of the country ahead of personal desires. They are patriots supporting the ideas put forth by our nation’s founding fathers.
 
American is the most generous nation in the world. People of other nations flock to American for the many opportunities and freedoms offered its citizens. We allow freedom of religion, but we are a nation built on the solid rock of Christian principals, not Islamic rules. Now is the time to be active.
 
Let us hear your point of view and concerns. 

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“The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth:
‘That God governs in the affairs of men’.
And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice,
Is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid”?
Benjamin Franklin
 
Today America’s old sage might have phrased it in a little different way. “Can a great nation long endure, that turns away from the God that made us great”? Then we have:
 
If the power of the Gospel is not felt throughout the length and breadth of this land,
Anarchy and misrule, degradation and misery, corruption and darkness will reign”.
Daniel Webster
 
Is it that these great statesmen are crying out to us today? Why have we allowed a minority of Americans to take away the rights of the majority, through twisting of our laws—governing from the bench? We have allowed prayer to be removed from schools—did this improve student’s social behavior? In God We Trust is being challenged, and no public buildings are to display the Ten Commandments—what would the founders of this nation think about this? The Boy Scouts, a great organization for boys, is being challenged because they don’t permit gays. The scout oath states, “Upon my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country, to obey the scout law, to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight”. The gay lifestyle violates this oath—are we to believe that teaching young boys, future leaders of our nation, that Honor, Oaths and Duty to God aren’t to be taken seriously?
 
Whether one has religious convictions or no convictions, it is reasonable to believe that the Bible puts forth good social standards to guide our actions. When the news is full of school shootings, people killing innocent strangers, young kids getting kicks out of beating another youth and filming their deeds, pornography, drugs and violent realist movies, when will the majority say “Enough” and seek new laws in Congress? Why not reverse the laws that have led our nation this far astray? Why not let the youth, and adults, be taught that a higher power will hold us accountable for our actions. If the U. S. Supreme Court has the Ten Commandments posted on their walls, a public place, why can’t schools and the people enjoy the same?
 
When Thomas Jefferson wrote about separation of church and state, he was against our new nation ruling in a national faith, like King Henry VIII did when he ruled that only the Church of England was acceptable, to spite Catholics. So, what can we do? Get active in the political process; get involved in getting good candidates to run for office. Help good candidates get elected. Be like our Founding Fathers who risked all, even their life, to give us the nation that we now enjoy—they paid dearly. Let us answer the call, follow their wisdom and get back what we’ve lost over the past 65 years.   

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