Happy Fourth of July 2002

To the Defenders of the Faith,

     As we celebrate this 4th of July, we must truly take a serious look at what we usually take for granted ~ FREEDOM. What price are we willing to pay for this gift? We find so often in these times that the value our Founding Fathers placed upon the gift of freedom is very different from the value placed upon it today.  It is interesting that  "our protectors" rhetoric often contradicts their actions. Take for example, the recent Patriot's Bill.  It is said to protect us, but how is this for protection:

With this new law they can enter your home, install bugging devices, and remove your personal property without a warrant.  And they do not have to inform you that they have done any of this for up to 90 days, with the option of up to three extensions on that time period.  Now tell me, what do you think about this in support of our Bill of Rights? This sounds like probable cause, unlawful search and seizure, and the Fifth Amendment just went to hell! I would like to add this quote, "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." ~ Benjamin Franklin.

     With this is mind, on this important day specifically, we have to take a good look at where we stand, as a people, a nation, and a world. So, what are we to do next: do we search for peace, or pursue war? We must pay attention to what is going on around us, no matter what we are being told. Take for instance these perspectives: 1) the largest defense budget in twenty years has just been put in place. This reflects an amount $50 billion increase in the year 2003. 2) A large military air base is being built in Oman with a 15,000 foot airstrip, multiple giant air-conditioned warehouses, supplies and munitions build-up on a daily basis, and a large tent city capable of housing between 3,000 and 10,000 military personnel. 3) The stock market is at its lowest point in five years. 4) the budget deficit cap has been raised 800 billion dollars to a grand total of 6.4 trillion plus interest accruing daily ( has anyone ever asked themselves to whom we are paying this debt)? 5) the trade deficit: the amount of goods we import equal to the amount of goods we export is in excess of $100 billion. How do we expect to buy more than we sell, and sustain as a nation? We now hold the dubious distinction of being the largest debtor nation in the world. 6) the search for a just and fair peace between Israel and Palestine continues to allude us  6) are we using the position of eliminating Arafat as the leader of Palestine to prepare us for the elimination of Saddam Hussein? These are interesting perspectives, huh? As we look back through our history, does this look like preparation for peace, or for war? Every time we find in a situation like this we tend to get ourselves into a war to get our selves out of it.  In the words of Lawrence Durrell, " History is an endless repetition of the wrong way of living."

     On this day, let us turn our attention to the value of those who truly fight the wars: the Armed Services. These are among the most patriotic, and yet most neglected group in our American culture. As our service men are scattered throughout the world, in combat, their families survive on food stamps and live in what is equal to low-income housing. After reading the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003, HR Bill 4546, I realize this bill is attempting to address some of these issues. However, there are a few core issues that I feel are not being adequately addressed. For example, the monies appropriated for advocacy programs such as spousal and child abuse (which is all too rampant in the military) have been diverted into other programs. There also appears to have been a de-emphasis on the educational programs and opportunities available to military wives and children. We must remember that the core of our great country is not a battalion, it is the family. If we do not keep the families of our military personnel safe how can they focus on defeating the enemies of democracy? And in defeating our enemies, if we have also defeated the spiritual foundation of our country, which is the family, then what victory have we truly won?

     The above concerns those who serve our country on this day. What about those who have served in the past: our Veterans? Have you visited one lately? If you have, you will probably know that they are the key to understanding where we stand as a nation. Their insights can help us to know where we have been and where we must go in the future. This is especially true of the WWII veterans. The decreasing benefits for the veteran is the greatest crisis we face as a nation. If we fail to honor those who have served how do we expect to ever find the value of the freedom and safety we are celebrating on this 4th of July holiday? With more than 45,000 veterans leaving this world every 30 days, we can show our greatest appreciation for our freedom by visiting those who risked their lives to preserve it.

     Lastly I would like to address the issue of healthcare for Veterans. I ask that each of you support our President, George W. Bush in his vigilant efforts to improve health care delivery to our nation's veterans through his Executive Order 13214 of May 28, 2001. By contacting your Congressman, and Senator, and the President of the United States you will be letting them know that you are very interested in the outcome of the executive order.

     Friends, in closing I would like to share this final thought. What we need to commit ourselves to seek is the highest spiritual understanding of how to lead as opposed to how to follow. The power to change the world, no matter how overwhelming the task may seem, lies within each of us. Know that, for regardless of our external circumstances, we are powerful and mighty spiritual beings. Let us dedicate that power to the search of peace.

With purpose, 

Dannion