Christine Smith's Blog

The North Korea “Problem”?

George W. Bush by executive order declared a “national emergency” with regard to North Korea on June 26, 2008 to “deal with that threat,” :

“I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, find that the current existence and risk of the
proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula constitute an unusual and extraordinary
threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States, and I hereby declare a national emergency
to deal with that threat…”

Then from the Press Secretary on the same day (just prior to Bush’s Rose Garden appearance): “…The United States will respond to North Korea’s actions by lifting the provisions of the Trading with the Enemy Act as well as announcing our intent to rescind North Korea’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terror in 45 days. During this period, the United States will carefully assess North Korea’s actions particularly with regard to verification…”

So Bush permits certain restrictions to remain, while lifting sanctions enacted under The Trading with the Enemy Act and declaring removal of North Korea from his list of state sponsors of terrorism. Has the U.S. empire’s latest “national emergency” de-escalated so quickly?

All who think rationally and logically realize there is no actual state of national emergency regarding North Korea. I don’t think very many Americans feel threatened by North Korea. After all, North Korean uranium enrichment activities, possession/development of nuclear weapons (crude nuclear devices), is relevant only to their region. But the continued imposition of sanctions hinders peaceful coexistence. And therein, in my opinion, lies the US government agenda: sowing continued seeds of conflict, while trying to get the label as “diplomatic.”

Where is the threat? A nuclear device/missile does not threaten Americans in America, only U.S. troops stationed in Korea. But those troops shouldn’t even be there, as we should end our military presence in South Korea – it serves no purpose. North Korea has no military capability to invade America – it’s only threat would be to U.S. bases in parts of the world they have no business being in. So remove (not just reduce) all the troops and no Americans are threatened.

This executive order is a solemn and grim reminder of just what Bush can during his remaining term in office…he can do much harm and make much more provocation worldwide, while trying to appear to the media as someone who is making progress in international affairs. North Korea’s potential weapon manufacturing or current weaponry pose no threat to America. Thus it is no business of the U.S. government, but again this government make it their business. And they have the audacity to call this “diplomacy.” Leave it to South Korea, China, Japan, Russia relate to North Korea, but the U.S. government should stay out of it.

The fact is there is no North Korea “problem” or “situation.” There is only a U.S. government problem.

Why then does North Korea become an issue in the presidential race? Everyone is asking what each of the candidates’ position on North Korea would be (a loaded question again assuming there’s a legitimate role of the U.S. government in the region). And again presidential contenders Obama and McCain offer no change – just meaningless rhetoric all of which shows that whomever takes the White House will continue the U.S. presence in parts of the world we should leave alone. Talking to them, verification, and all the other “solutions” politicians discuss assume a false premise that the United States should even have a voice in the matter. What North Korea develops (or the nations it decides to help) impact America not one iota – that is if the United States government were making decisions based on the best interests of Americans.

There is no “national emergency” in regards to North Korea – it exists only on paper in that executive order from Bush, his gang, and every politician who validates U.S. empire building by even considering it a problem.

The solution to North Korea and all the other foreign policy issues: withdrawal of all US troops from the over 700 military bases in over 100 countries posing no threat to America. Closing these overseas bases, combined with an immediate end to foreign aid/economic incentives, as well as the ending of the arrogant and cruel use of sanctions and embargoes by the US government, is the only way to create a prosperous and peaceful America. It is time to end the continued building of the U.S. military empire before its existence continues to harms Americans (security-wise and economically) even more. Only by ending the decades of empire building and imperialism (and the suffering and death it causes worldwide) will America hope to ever again flourish in peace, harmony and liberty. But you won’t hear Bush or Obama or McCain propose the real solution – it doesn’t serve their interventionist political agendas although it would most certainly serve the best interest of Americans.

Thomas Merton: a spiritually based political activist

 “Let me seek, then, the gift of silence, and poverty, and solitude, where everything I touch is turned into prayer: where the sky is my prayer, the birds are my prayer, the wind in the trees is my prayer, for God is in all.”–Thomas Merton, Thoughts in Solitude

Due to my appreciation of Thomas Merton’s work, I recently obtained the film “Merton: A Film Biography.”  It was an hour and half (approx.) well spent!  The dvd bonus materials (interviews/discussion with those who knew him) added much to this most interesting and informative film biography.

Merton’s prolific writings have touched millions worldwide, and his life as a modern day philosopher (I would call him a mystic) and social critic serves as an inspiration to me because I identify with the struggle of being drawn between one’s personal life of solitude and contemplation and one’s desire and will to bring about change – to use one’s freedom to work for justice, peace and liberty.  Choosing this, we experience, learn more of who we are (including our errors and mistakes), seek truth, and realize each of us – the individuals we are- are all part of one another. Merton was a man who embraced Truth, sought spiritual guidance as he provided it, and whose life is a shining light for those who identify with his spiritual basis for being involved in the politics of the world.  His is a life which perfectly exemplifies being in the world without being of the world as he confronted and exposed the evils of American imperialism, the Vietnam War, racism, and any form of man’s inhumanity to man. 

The awareness of not needing other people, yet being able to lovingly and sincerely appreciate others, is an experience I’ve had since a child.  Though I relate well in social situations, I do not need to be around other people.  It is in solitude I am often most happy.  The very rare exception of meeting someone whom I actually am happy or look forward to being in their presence has been few and far between.

This is, I think, because my thoughts and feelings about life are always with me.  I do not care to distract myself with meaningless activities.  I want to be as Merton described “fully awake.”  I do, however,  appreciate being around others with similar values whether to learn from one another or just to have a relaxing social time together.  The “similar values” is important to me, a prerequisite to even wanting to spend social time with another. 

Thus, Merton’s work has always spoken to me.  It is of the Spirit.  And as I’ve struggled in my life, his words oft describe precisely a truth I know but need to be reminded of.  He was also one with a passion for life: an appreciation of art, a vibrant (and outgoing) personality, and a devotion to learning!  Even before becoming a monk, his life was that of a man who no matter what he would choose to do one knew he would do it enthusiastically, with zeal, and well.  I relate to this, finding that I retreat into personal reflection at times, returning to others (to the world) restored and renewed.

We must keep in mind, and part of the reason I so highly recommend this film biography, is that Merton’s monastic life came only after years spent as any other young man (drinking, socializing, and even getting a girlfriend pregnant) during his college days.  I mention this because it makes his story so powerful!  Too often we place those we emulate on a pedestal (which should never be done anyway – we are all equal- we are all members of the human family with not one of us more special than another), but it’s a human weakness to classify those we may admire as something more than us – particularly when it comes to those we look to for religious or spiritual guidance, knowledge and wisdom.  The beauty of Merton’s personal story is that it illustrates the good and blessings which come to others when one follows their heart.  Merton, even while a young man, was captivated by the churches…the true seeking of human beings to know spiritual truth…to know God…and he knew his writing of his thoughts was part of him to do.  By following his deepest desire, his life has blessed millions with understanding and enlightenment.  Making others happy made him happy.  Giving is receiving.

I appreciate the way Merton emphasized living in the present moment.  One of his friends, during the film, shared that one of the last things Merton told him before leaving on his trip to Asia (where he died) was to remember: Now Here This.  (Note: the word is here not hear).  Meaning all that matters is right now – this moment.  Here – not thinking about our past, where we’ve been nor thinking about future plans or where we may go.  This – the activity we are involved in this moment.  Remembering “Now Here This” will bring you happiness Merton said.  Such truth, so simply spoken, and so powerfully.  To truly live in the “Now Here This” moment brings mindfulness and appreciation fully of the experiences of our life.

I’ve also always related to his focus on one’s life, if they so choose, being a prayer.  That in each moment, should we choose, we worship, we pray.  This has been my way for years (although I have now also discovered the beautiful value of prayer using words as well).  Prayer then is to hear God’s answer to us.

In regards to one’s needs in life, Merton’s spiritual definition of “poverty” is one of receiving gratitude and giving it.  It is of keeping that which one needs and giving to others.  In this one finds a gratification beyond measure.  Likewise, it is with one’s choices in life, “A man knows when he has found his vocation when he stops thinking about how to live and begins to live…When we find our vocation – thought and life are one. Suppose one has found completeness in his true vocation. Now everything is in unity, in order, at peace. Now work no longer interferes with prayer or prayer with work. Now contemplation no longer needs to be a special “state” that removes one from the ordinary things going on around him for God penetrates all. One does not have to think of giving an account of oneself to anyone but Him…” (Thoughts in Solitude).  That is living.  That is giving oneself and finding oneself. 

When I think of Merton, I think of a man whose life was one of unity.  A man who had to communicate with all of us and who was courageous in speaking the truth even when it meant challenging power:  his own Church or the U.S. government’s imperialism.  His devotion to justice, to peace, to reverence for life, is an inspiration.

Those who find themselves differing from the majority in their spiritual quest, seeking, and desire to be used as a vessel to bring more love into this world, suffer anguish…pain deeper than most I believe…but it is they who, in their contemplative life, experience the greatest joy.  Every experience as Merton would say “plants something” in your soul.

“Contemplation is the highest expression of man’s intellectual and spiritual life. It is that life itself, fully awake, fully active, fully aware that it is alive. It is spiritual wonder. It is spontaneous awe at the sacredness of life, of being. It is gratitude for life, for awareness, and for being. It is a vivid realization of the fact that life and being in us proceed from an invisible, transcendent and infinitely abundant Source. Contemplation is, above all, an awareness of the reality of that Source.”-Thomas  Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation.

I highly recommend Thomas Merton’s work to you (he wrote over 60 books of prose & poetry), as I highly recommend the film “Merton: A Film Biography.”

Happy, strong, and at peace…I’m free!

Greetings, and welcome to my new blog!

Here I plan to often share both my political commentary as well as personal thoughts.  Rather than having two or more blogs as I have in the past, I will integrate all in one place, and I invite you to check back frequently (or subscribe via RSS), as I intend to frequently post here on matters/issues of the day in the world (and activities in my own life).

I’ve received a number of inquiries over the past several weeks regarding my plans:  Now, I am focusing on my work (more writing as I was able to do only about half as much in past year and half due to the campaign), and currently considering a few possibilities which interest me regarding political activism. 

Personally, I am feeling wonderful!  I’m free!  Free from the burdens/stresses I dealt with during the campaign; free to write; free to spend time with family/friends; free to explore and learn new activities which interest me; free to be me.  I’ve also the time to again exercise regularly – working out with weights and aerobically nearly every every other day now.  I’m experiencing more joy…more music…more time just for myself to contemplate, read, and take beautiful relaxing walks/hikes in this wondrous springtime (which has felt like summer long before today).  I am happy, strong, and at peace. 

I invite you to return to my website and blog, as I will be sharing much here.  Meanwhile, I invite you to read the first blog entry I wrote here (just below this one) as it is about the influence, the blessing, my father has been in my life.  It has been his loving guidance throughout my life that has been instrumental in who I’ve become and what I do. 

-Christine Smith

Character: A Father’s Day Message

 ”Character is simply habit long continued.” – Plutarch

I spent Father’s Day with my beloved father, cooking him a good meal, watching a film together, and just talking and sharing.  Though I had tentatively planned to post a piece regarding my father, no time permitted on Sunday – as I spent my time with him – certainly my priority for the day.  Thus, I would like to share a number of thoughts and observations regarding my father with you today, as he has had a profound influence not only on who I have become but what I value most in others.

My father is a good man – a man of character.  He is rare.

Having raised me since I was a child, my father instilled within me a sense that I could and should do whatever in life interested me.  From an early age, I found I differed considerably from most other girls, just as I do from most women these days, since I possess a strength and resolve to pursue any matter I deem is important to do.  I give no thought to what others will think of what I do – if it is right for me to do, I do it.  I do give weight to other’s advice, guidance, and the wisdom they can share with me before making major decisions, but I don’t let the judgment of society or “political correctness” govern my actions at all. Injustice stirs a righteous indignation within me which motivates me to be part of making a difference to change things, to help, to resolve difficulties – not merely apathetically accept them.  I am an individual who observes, evaluates, and trusts that still small voice which warns and cautions me or, on the other hand, may move me to take an action which will bless others.  I love life – all its beauty (referring to not the man-made world, but the natural world ) – and all its possibilities to experience joy.  Instrumental to that, is my endeavoring to live every moment from love.  Love for all; a love that cannot be divided, a love which views all as my brothers and sisters, a love that I pray I will evince in every moment toward all.  To do this means choosing love over fear in all circumstances (easier said than done), but which I try to do.  Love leads one to say and do what must be done for the good in any situation, fear stifles one keeping them from experiencing such joy so as to keep them from experiencing discomfort.   Through love, truth becomes ones priority, good is accomplished, and if  two individuals value truth, sincere communication can occur.  I believe such elements of my personality, my character, have been directly affected my the beautiful example and guidance my father has been for me throughout my life.  Unlike many, I do not value the valueless, I value what is true and sincere. 

Thus, as I consider my father, I share traits I value most that I’ve had a lifetime of seeing in him, and which I hope to always develop in myself and which I value most in others, things I’ve learned from him (and hope) to practice well in my life:

Trust: I trust my father, as I know he trust me.  To put trust in another is a major step, and one which takes time to develop.  Wisdom is permitting that trust to develop as one has proved themselves capable of it.  It’s risky, but necessary.  I’ve never met anyone in life I trust as I do my father; in him I can confide, share, and ask for advice knowing whatever he may say is said from his experience and his love for me.  He will recognize and respect me to choose whatever path I choose, but he knows I will carefully consider whatever advice/guidance he may share.  Trusting others is something I rarely do; I’ve misplaced my trust before and suffered the pains of betrayal as we all have.  But true friends, those who actually value truth and who seek only to joyfully share (versus forming relationships for what they can take from another) are extremely rare in life.  My deepest core seeks to joyfully share, to be a part of helping others achieve their dreams or our common dreams, so each can grow, learn, and share what we have learned with one another.  That component of my personality has led to too easily trust others when they were not worthy, and I carry those experiences with me.  I will not let it make me cynical so as not to trust others, but it slows me down to give all friendships time to develop, as they will, if they are true. 

Control: My father has an ability to analyze a situation, without reacting, so as to decide the best course of action to take.  He tries not to let emotionalism direct his actions, but instead evaluates situations in life and then uses his mind to decide what is best to do.  He has always told me that it is only when he has reacted that he has made mistakes, and thus no matter the situation it is best to maintain a composure, a control, over one’s own feelings and thoughts so as to choose correctly.  I think this is what makes him such an excellent chess player.  He has always taught me that my mind is a tool, not to be used singularly, but in conjunction with my heart (my values and what I believe) to decide the best way to approach matters in life.  This has made me a focused individual, when I decide to do something I focus all my energies on it, and do not get easily distracted.  My shortcoming, is my “over zealousness” as he’s called it, sometimes letting my enthusiasm trump better judgment.  This is an area where I need greater control; giving myself the moments (or days) necessary to make a wise rational decision versus spur of the moment decisions.  My zeal and enthusiasm is an asset, but only when controlled with my mind…then I can best and most efficiently implement or achieve the good I wish to create.  It has been said that what excites one controls one.  Excitement, or let’s say delight or happiness in an activity, is natural, but if allowed to control one can lead to serious misjudgments.  Self-control of one’s behavior is a great strength; emotionalism (being controlled by emotions) leads to mistakes and regret.  Recognizing and embracing true emotion is essential to being a fully developed human being, but one must never let emotion alone choose the course of one’s behavior/decision making.  It is also in having the willingness to control one’s emotions that one can most accurately discern the character of others.  Blindly assuming the best of others can be a serious mistake.  Control brings the experience to view clearly one’s own character as well as that of others.

Living in the present moment:  The past does not exist.  If only we all could remember this truth.  How often do we detract from the beauty of today because we’re obsessing about our past?  The past should serve only as a guide, sometimes its a memory of something we judge as good and other times something we judge as bad, but it is only a memory.  To learn from it is wisdom; to be controlled by it now is a self imposed plague imprisoning and cutting us off from that which is happening now in our lives.  It is good to look back, identify our mistakes so we will not repeat them, and be a stronger individual now who is more capable of staying true to our beliefs than we did back then.  The serious problem many make is to dwell on the past, as if the choices we made years ago are things we should be judged for now by others or by ourselves.  Sometimes our judgment upon ourselves is greater than that of others.  But guilt is a burden we free ourselves from; I think of a Scripture regarding man’s relationship with God: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV) It is this understanding, even between one another as fallible human beings, that becomes a way of life when you truly love another. Let us not continue to view ourselves or others by who we were in the past.

Remembering to live in the present moment (and in view of the mistakes we have made in our past) is likewise instrumental in lovingly relating to our friends.  As we develop trust between one another, nothing, absolutely nothing from one’s past which is entrusted to be shared, should make a difference in the relationship we have with another human being now.  Again, to become the individual of character we are capable of being, comes from habitually choosing to live our beliefs and values not simply give lip service to them.  As we choose again in our lives, we develop new habits, and it it is these which define us now.

In fact, as I write this, I think of a most beautiful experience recently in which a good friend of mine (and my family) for years confided an experience of their lives with me which they had obviously decided they wanted/needed to share but which they felt might bring judgment or possibly even jeopardize the friendship – I could see the fear as they relayed something from their past with me.  When I simply thanked them for sharing it, and simply acknowledged the sadness and simultaneous the gladness that the worst which could have occurred did not – and that they have no reason to fear disclosing any mistake from their past with me – their eyes welled up with tears.  I assured them the past does not exist, you learned from that mistake, and have become a better person for that learning.  A burden they had carried was now gone. This is  one of the beautiful  moments  I treasure in life -  true communication between friends – because in that we are all healed, inspired, and strengthened. We learn from each other.  We are all teachers and learners – that’s the beauty of friendship.

Communication:  Isn’t this one of the hardest, most difficult things for all of us to do?  To communicate truth.  To communicate appreciation.  To communicate respect.  Or even when it means to communicate disappointment or hurt.  Why do we find it so hard to simply share with another, who deserves our trust and our communication, that which we feel?  The answer is – fear.  But being inhibited about communicating when it is deserved leads to misunderstandings which only hamper friendship.  I am a firm believer in expressing true heartfelt feelings and thoughts.  To express true sentiment is freeing for both the one sharing and the recipient.  We must never permit fear to keep us from communicating truth to another.  I think every misunderstanding in my life has resulted from either my or another’s reluctance to communicate.  I also know that when others have communicated with me from their heart, no matter what it is was they wanted to let me know, it has always resulted in good and in growth. 

Be wise: “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matthew 10:16).  As a loving father, this is a point my father emphasizes to this day to me.  In fact, I think the only time I ever see him get upset is when I am unwise and do something which might have put myself at risk of harm.  And he is right.  As I said earlier in this article, I have made the mistake of letting my guard or caution down when I have permitted my over zealousness or excitement relax me to the point of forgetting to be wise about where I am, what I’m doing, or who is around me.  Doing that is foolish and stupid. Fortunately, I’ve never suffered any serious consequences when I’ve lapsed away from being wise.  But he’s always been right, I have a flaw in trusting before I have adequate evidence, and that’s something I do not want to do again.  I have a flaw of not doing things as carefully as I should just because I’m enthusiastically doing some activity.  Wisdom is learning from one’s mistakes, and I’ve learned and hopefully will remember the lesson he’s imparted to me throughout my life.  Having a loving parent who really cares about your best interests is such a wonderful blessing, for without it, even as an adult one can make serious mistakes which they might not otherwise.  Remembering not to give other’s the benefit of doubt, and certainly not assuming the best of them until time has proven so, is a valuable lesson I try to remember.  Remembering, too, to keep your mind engaged no matter the situation is a valuable lesson to remember.  I am grateful I have a loving father who has always pointed this vulnerability in my personality out to me.  And I do appreciate his disappointment in me when I have made mistakes which I could easily have avoided, for I know his being upset is because he loves me and just wants to see me do well, be safe, and be happy in life.

Faith & Faithfulness: Love is faith.  Love is faithful. To wholly appreciate is to love.  For me, being faithful to one I love is something I do not even have to think about.  My devotion to another’s happiness, my happiness at seeing them happy, breeds a faithfulness which is by its nature everlasting.  Nothing, no circumstance, can change it.  To place faith in another, and for them to develop faith in you, develops over time – but its realization brings a joy no words can express.  To a lesser of greater degree I’ve experienced this in some friendships in my life, but rarely and few and far between.  But with my father, their is a faithfulness I know is ever present.  It is sad in today’s society to see the word and expression of “love” adulterated with deceit, greed, and conceit.  For in love, no such vices govern one’s behavior.  It can’t.  It’s impossible.  Because in love, another’s life, their aspirations, their hurts, their achievements, their losses, become one with your own.  Nothing they experience, and nothing they do, can separate their interests from your own. 

This is why betrayal between those who profess to love one another is something I have never been able to fathom.  I do not believe one can truly love another if they would be capable of betraying the trust or faith another has placed in them.  In friendship of any degree, in all the forms of relationship we may experience in our lives, faith placed in you by another is the greatest gift they can give you.  I cannot comprehend, nor will I try, to understand the depths of darkness or depravity of spirit which could lead another to betray the trust another has given them.

Faithfulness is the fruit and natural expression/component of love. For me, it’s a way of life, when I give my friendship, I give my faithfulness and nothing can ever disturb or alter it.  It’s a way of life.  As for having faith in another, that takes time and experience.  It takes strength even.  For to open oneself to true communication which is honest and sincere is a step which makes you vulnerable.  Here again, one must use their mind in following their heart, and if someone has proven themselves worthy of such openness one must step out courageously to have that faith in another.  True, your decision may be betrayed, but only in doing so are the blessings of true friendship developed.

The last couple years of my life have been incredible times of change, growth, learning.  Maturity is an on-going process reliant upon one’s willingness to question themselves, listen to others, learn from experiences, and to choose again.  At any moment in our lives, we can make mistakes, sometimes the most painful those whose repercussions have affected other’s lives rather than just our own.  Other experiences make a pain inside because of disillusionment with others (misplaced trust in others) and the repercussions we suffer ourselves because we chose to trust one who was unworthy.  Still other mistakes come when we make unwise choices.  To choose love means to choose to grow.  It requires one to courageously and unabashedly practice introspection.  To turn those experiences into development of our own character is to truly love oneself, and thereby creates the path to truly love others. 

Character as Plutarch expressed, is “simply habit long continued,” and as Aristotle noted, “Character is that which reveals moral purpose, exposing the class of things a man chooses and avoids.”  It is evidenced in the daily life (his focus, his priorities, his work, his treatment of others).

My father’s character has been a blessing in my life.  His character has affected the individual I have become and am becoming. My character, who I am, has been shaped for the good because of my father.  For this, I am grateful. 

The Spirit of Liberty is Alive & Well! – Reflections on attending the Future of Freedom Foundation’s conference

“…Actually, what is the political struggle that we witness? It is the instinctive struggle of all people toward liberty. And what is this liberty, whose very name makes the heart beat faster and shakes the world? Is it not the union of all liberties—liberty of conscience, of education, of association, of the press, of travel, of labor, of trade? In short, is not liberty the freedom of every person to make full use of his faculties, so long as he does not harm other persons while doing so? Is not liberty the destruction of all despotism—including, of course, legal despotism? Finally, is not liberty the restricting of the law only to its rational sphere of organizing the right of the individual to lawful self-defense; of punishing injustice? …”- Frédéric Bastiat, The Law.

I have found a peace within and my strength and resolve to work for all that I believe has been increased manifold…this renewal is the direct result of attending the most wonderful gathering of principled individuals and learning so much! I am very happy, as I know this wonderful experience will stay with me and become a part of everything I do from now on.

The spirit of liberty is alive & well!  It is evidenced in the courageous dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to liberty I saw in individuals this weekend.

The Future of Freedom Foundation (FFF) conference “Restoring the Republic 2008: Foreign Policy and Civil Liberties” (June 6-8, 2008 in Reston, Virginia) was the most fulfilling intellectual experience of my life. It not only was incredibly informative, it was inspiring!
The Future of Freedom Foundation’s mission “…is to advance freedom by providing an uncompromising moral and economic case for individual liberty, free markets, private property, and limited government.”  I consider it to be the organization for true libertarians. Of course, reading the FFF’s monthly journal Freedom Daily and receiving the daily FFF email update for some time, I knew this event would be enriching. With FFF’s founder and president, Jacob Hornberger, being the uncompromising principled individual he is, it was a given the event would provide attendees a wealth of knowledge as well as buttressing one’s commitment to achieving the blessings of freedom in a society which is abandoning civil liberties, ethics, and morality rampantly.
This outstanding conference featured many excellent speakers crossing the political spectrum, all adding their unique perspective to the 3 days of learning, discussion, and dialog between all. (Soon, the FFF will be posting videos of the speakers, though you may view videos of last year’s 2007 conference on their YouTube page.) With 21 speakers, I gained an enormous amount of knowledge, and share a little about the following speakers in particular since they were among the most moving for me.Jacob Hornberger‘s opening speech set the tone for the entire weekend, emphasizing what I consider the most important insight all dedicated to the principles of freedom must remember – the task at hand (liberty) will be achieved if each of us does the thing we must do. Together the work we all do will culminate to the point we envision. But we cannot allow despair and discouragement to well up within in face of the daunting task…no, we must work in the service of liberty by doing precisely what we are led to do – without regard to what seems a monumental task – but only in regard to keeping the focus and the faith. The republic can be restored. Freedom can become the way of life in America. Hornberger’s example of the collapse of the Berlin Wall was powerful (as I do tend to sometime lapse into despair about the future of our nation), but that example alone puts everything into perspective. We have enormous potential; we can create the a future of freedom…now more than ever before in my life I believe this.

A few highlights briefly summarized:

Opening & Closing:

Hornberger delivered a closing speech Sunday night which re-emphasized several of his key points, speaking extemporaneously, his passionate plea to each of us to do what we can to be part of bringing about the transition of our nation from darkness into the light of liberty was the perfect conclusion.Read a recent Philadelphia Inquirer piece she did entitled “Report on FBI interrogations omits the Lindh case of torture”. After hearing her speech, I was pleased to be able to get a copy of her self-published book/memoir (and though I’m just beginning to read it, based on her speech, I highly recommend it to you): The Canary in the Coalmine: Blowing the Whistle in the Case of “American Taliban” John Walker Lindh. To read more about Radack, her story, reviews, the first chapter of her book, etc. visit  [link edited for length]. Frankly, I would love to see her book be read by millions of Americans – such truth of what evil our government does must be told and widely so.Laurence Vance – Yet another writer whose articles I deeply value, but one I had never had the pleasure of hearing speak. I am so happy the FFF invited Vance! His speech at the conference, “Christianity and War,” was a powerful denunciation of rampant Christian hypocrisy (such as declarations of praying for the troops or expressing supporting of the troops, yellow ribbons, etc. while simultaneously giving lip-service to rejection of a war or those Christians who rationalize the immorality of war and actually make its support part of their patriotic as well as religious pride). Vance boldly spoke the truth about this topic as no one I’ve ever heard. Hearing his speech just added to my respect for his heartfelt true dedication to truth and to his faith.Robert Higgs – After years of reading Higgs’ writings, it was good to hear him in person. His speech, “How major U.S. Neo-imperialist Wars End” was excellent.Anthony Gregory – What a great speaker. I continue to be impressed by not only Gregory’s articles but now by his speaking as well. Indeed a “rising star” as FFF Founder/president Hornberger called Gregory, his speech lived up to the quality of his commentary.David Henderson‘s talk…but again every speaker was excellent from economic topics to conditions of detainees to the numerous assaults on civil liberties in our nation to the blowback of our imperialistic foreign policy, this weekend was a great learning experience. It was also enjoyable to hear Bart Frazier (Program Dir. of the FFF) and Jim Bovard (who has a great sense of humor) speak. For me, Hornberger’s and Vance’s talks were the most personal and deeply touching, since both reference the spiritual/moral basis of our libertarianism from which all else stems for me.“I have now a peace within. I don’t know the “how” or even the “why” precisely – but the feeling which was bringing me to tears at times is gone – and in its place a peace that surpasses my understanding – but which was necessary to be restored, rejuvenated in the way I must be to face the world strong again.

Jesselyn Radack – I was so pleased to hear this remarkable woman speak! Her courageous devotion to truth, and the persecution/retaliation she has suffered as a result, makes her one of those individuals whom I respect and admire. She shared with us her incredible experience as a Justice Department lawyer as it related to the prosecution of John Walker Lindh. Radack’s talk “Conscience Over Career: The Prosecution of the American Taliban,” was fascinating.

I also particularly appreciated

In addition to the excellent speakers, the dialog/conversations which occurred between attendees was also something I found to be valuable. Nothing is more encouraging than meeting like-minded principled individuals sharing ideas together and discussing possibilities.

Each of us must use our voice to educate, enlighten, and inspire Americans to join us in advancing libertarian principles. Meeting and listening to such courageous principled individuals as spoke at the FFF conference, coming home with several excellent books from speakers (which I may write reviews of at a later time), learning in detail of more atrocities and evil acts of the federal government while simultaneously seeing there are those who recognize and fight it, has proven to be extremely beneficial to me as I consider where I go from here. 

As one who has attended a number of events during my life, I wholeheartedly can say that attending the FFF Conference was the the most wonderful inspiring and enriching experience of my life. I will carry not only what I learned intellectually, but also recognize that I come away from this experience a far more powerful advocate of liberty because of the emotional and spiritual enrichment I gained.

I now share just a few comments I jotted down on my bedside notepad, written Sunday night (June 8, 2008), approx. 1:00 am in the morning in Reston, Virginia, immediately after returning from a quiet and deeply moving visit to the Jefferson Memorial (and other monuments) that night, very tired but felt a need to capture my feelings so I could later share them verbatim as part of what I would write about my attending the Future of Freedom Conference. More a diary/journal entry, I simply wrote briefly before turning out the light to rest after an incredibly significant weekend, thus that late night I wrote:

I think on Jacob Hornberger’s beginning and ending powerful speeches: Do what you can do. To hear him so firmly express his conviction we can – we will- achieve liberty – just as the Berlin Wall crumbled by the dedication of many spirits – so, too, can we crumble the ever oppressing tyranny in our nation.

I am inspired and again experiencing a peace (after tears these past few weeks in my life, and tears tonight as I stood at the Jefferson Memorial and again at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial).

I shall share more soon, but wanted to express, in writing, tonight, 1:03 am, in Reston, VA, that I am stronger, and prepared for the work ahead. And I am not alone. This weekend has shown this as nothing ever before in my life.”

In conclusion, I not only highly recommend those authors/activists  mentioned above, but strongly encourage you to consider attending next year’s FFF conference at which time they’ll be celebrating the Foundations’ 20th anniversary. Start planning now, because if you are one who truly values and seeks to make a difference in this world, who is devoted to being part of achieving liberty in our lifetime, then attending next year’s conference will prove to be invaluable.

Meanwhile, I highly recommend you sign up for the daily email from FFF – it’s the email subscription I most look forward to each day giving links to the best articles on the web and featuring Hornberger’s daily blog entry (read both recent and past blog entries – they cover so many issues from his uncompromising libertarian position).

Although I have summarized briefly my experience attending this year’s FFF event, I share with you I have gained far more within than I can articulate…I have found a peace within…know where I’m going (I’m headed in the right direction/on the right path), listening for guidance as I make decisions, and I know I am not alone in the vision and dream I have for America. I am happy, restored, and my faith is strong. This joy will manifest itself into realizing one or more of the ideas I am now considering to help be part of creating the peaceful harmonious society we work toward. It’s about you and me together…doing what we can…and I believe we will succeed. Liberty!