Christine Smith's Blog

I am grateful for…

Just returned from an early morning hike through the snow – brisk and cool – a great way to begin the day! Stopped at the partially frozen creek, surrounded by tall slender aspen, and listened to the water music. The blue spruce across the way towered above me. I am grateful for so much, and so now, this Monday morning, as Thanksgiving is approaching this week, I’ll share a few thoughts on it.

Thanksgiving has always been a meaningful day, as it focuses upon the virtue of expressing gratitude. This makes Thanksgiving a day of action, not passivity, in both heart and deed…a way to live throughout the year. 

Every experience in life, and every individual we encounter, holds opportunity for truth to be taught and learned.

Whatever one is grateful for requires supporting actions showing it, protecting it, and restoring it. One shows they treasure and are grateful for something by their actions, not just their words. To be grateful is more than a feeling, it’s a way to live one’s life.

At its heart, Thanksgiving is a day of lessons learned (and continuing to be learned). Its beginnings, which we celebrate, are a testament to liberty and its bountiful rewards. (Indeed, the festivities of today are a celebration of the fruits reaped when the philosophy of libertarianism is sown. For more on this, visit my 2008 Thanksgiving piece and its links regarding William Bradford and the lesson learned of free enterprise by those early settlers- the true story which should also be taught children and everyone this time of year.)

Twenty four years ago I moved to Colorado, with my first day here being Thanksgiving Day 1985. Fortunately, some caring neighbors helped make that day festive by sharing their Thanksgiving fixings, as I was not prepared to be cooking such a meal in a kitchen yet to be filled with accessories and groceries. I remember that first day well, there was an enormous snowfall, and extreme record breaking cold temperatures. The neighbor’s hospitality was most welcome!

Now, every day, I step out onto the deck of my mountain chalet, look at the sky, the forest, the mountains, and think to myself, “This is the day which the Lord hath made…,” I “…will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24-KJV)

My life is filled with blessings, joy, and miracles…a few of which I share here: 

I am grateful for… 

the gift of each day.

my beloved father.

all my Gentle Beings throughout my life.

all my animal companions throughout my life.

the few, but precious, friendships in my life.

the natural world,

the abundance of the Earth, and its creatures.

being able to make my living doing something I love.

friends who give me the gift of trust – needing a listening caring heart – turning to me in times of distress – or seeking my advice or opinion to consider.

those whom have been patient and forgiving with me.

friends who inspire and encourage me through their passion for liberty – their uncompromising devotion, dedication and hard work.

favorite authors.

those who create art I appreciate – in music, painting, prose, film, or sculpture.

the scientific, mechanical and technological inventions and discoveries the mind of man has made.

those with integrity.

the kindness of strangers.

to live in the United States, a most unique and wonderful nation because it was founded on liberty.

our nation’s founders who recognized the rights of the individual are not bestowed by any man or government but are inherent at birth, God-given.

past associations with those whom I helped and those who helped me.

every opportunity given in which I was able to be a blessing in someone else’s life.

my parish, beautiful, built over 100 years ago, and those who make it home to the parish family.

my parish priest and his knowledge, wisdom, gentleness, understanding, and ability to teach God’s truth.

Mother Mary continually listening and teaching me to rest in God’s providence free from worry or anxiety.

God – His love – His patience and forgiveness.

In conclusion (and elaborating a bit on the above):

I have been abundantly blessed in life. I have a fine home, good food, and abundant provision of necessities as well as creature comforts such as all the things I use and enjoy each day which make life easier, comfortable and cozy… from warm fuzzy slippers- a cup of tea- a hot bubble bath–the glistening snow in bright sunshine- a quiet moonlit night- a classical music cd playing on the stereo- to so many more things which delight my senses in their goodness, beauty and simplicity.

I am grateful for my health – my ability to move freely, to go where I choose from travel, hiking, fitness, to just playing, swirling and dancing, to have the sense of smell to enjoy the delightful array of aromas and fragrances from wildflowers to delicious meals, to have eyes to see the beauty all around me and which give me the ability to read, to have the sense of hearing to hear the voices of those I love, to appreciate beautiful music, to learn from others, and to hear the sounds of all the earth from bird songs to the wind, to have the sense of touch so that the softness of a petal can be felt-the warmth of the sun upon my face and the coolness of a raindrop-to have a voice to share, question and sing, the ability to taste the many delicious flavors from savory to sweet, for all the abilities and senses health gives me.

I am grateful I learned early the value of being true to myself, strong, and independent, following my heart where it leads. I focus on developing myself emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually, developing who I am to the fullest so that I am a whole person capable of joyfully sharing with others, and strong to pursue the path of dreams and ideas God gives me. For this realization, I thank my father who raised me to be strong, to pursue whatever I felt was right and would make me happy.

I am grateful to God, the source of all these blessings.

And I reiterate the beginning of this piece: Whatever one is grateful for requires actions showing it, protecting it, and restoring it. Think about those things you are grateful for and live your life in actions to show you treasure them.

El Batallón de San Patricio : One Man’s Hero…

…as the phrase goes, is another man’s traitor.

Such was the case of the fascinating true story told in the 1998 film One Man’s Hero (starring Tom Berenger, Daniela Romo, and Joaquim de Almeida, and directed by Lance Hool) which chronicles the plight of Irish Catholic immigrants who came to America to escape dire poverty, disease and starvation in Ireland resulting from The Great Famine (a result of a blight upon the potato crop they relied upon).

Thinking that the United States of America and its promise of a better life (citizenship for them and their families if young men entered the U.S. Army) was the answer, many young men joined up as a means to provide a better life for themselves and their families.

But the U.S. government cared less of its treatment to the Irish Catholics than setting its sights on building empire.

Mexico had fought long and hard for its independence from Spain, and its citizens weren’t about to passively let the “Manifest Destiny” desire fueling the expansion of the United States in its acquisition of more and more land the Mexican government viewed as its own.

Seeing an opportunity to strike Mexico during a weak point (while Mexico was suffering from instability preoccupied in its own inner revolution, struggles and political turmoil), the U.S. took it – apparently not to just to (re)acquire or protect the land agreed to by a former treaty (unratified by Mexico) but to advance as far as possible westward (and as it turned out southward). In short, the United States government would take it as far as they could without regard to the Mexican government and people, and escalated hostilities by placing troops near the Rio Grande River which was viewed as a hostile/aggressive action against Mexican territory. The Neuces River had long been recognized as Mexico’s northern boundary prior to the independence of Texas.

The complexities of this war pertaining to Mexican sovereignty, Texan independence, its annexation, and Polk’s agenda require far greater in-depth research (which I recommend to you). Both Mexico and the United States claimed it was a war for defensive purposes. Numerous battles ensued, and this part of U.S. history is fascinating to research. There are volumes to be read on battles, economic factors, and the interactions and decisions made between and by both nations (including learning more of Santa Ana and Polk), as I share but a general broad overview here. There was opposition within the United States to the war against Mexico, with some calling it “Polk’s War,” viewing it as a war of aggression in an invasion of Mexico rather than a defense of Texas.

The St. Patrick Battalion

My focus here is on El Batallón de San Patricio, The St. Patrick Battalion, consisting primarily of Irish Catholic immigrants to the United States who deserted the U.S. Army and who joined the Mexican Army to fight the United States in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). They fought bravely and gallantly in several major battles.

The Irish Catholics were persecuted within the U.S. Army due to discrimination (prevalent against immigrants at the time, especially those who were Catholic). The Mexicans shared two essential qualities with the Irish: Catholicism, and a desire for freedom.

The film, One Man’s Hero, tells the story of St. Patrick’s Battalion and their leader John Riley.

It’s an interesting film and story…with numerous quotations made throughout the film regarding the spirit of man and his yearning to be free which are reminiscent of every such battle now taking place in our world. The film’s telling of the story makes for a most interesting historical drama. I think that anyone who values liberty will find this film enjoyable and appreciate it on a number of levels. I shall refrain from sharing the outcome of the San Patricios’ mission, since if you’re not familiar with the story, the film will adequately illustrate how the U.S. government dealt with the “problem.”

The San Patricios are honored as heroes each month in Mexico (here’s an online photo with some details of the St. Patrick Battalion Memorial plaque in Mexico), as well as special commemorative ceremonies on September 12 and on St. Patrick’s Day.

As I viewed the film, I couldn’t help but consider the sad fact that the U.S. government has made imperialism its policy for so long (perverting and ignoring the founder’s intentions and warnings); that despite persecution and suffering the spirit of man is strong against injustice and doesn’t surrender to tyranny; and that a government cannot continually mistreat and abuse its soldiers without repercussions.

I recommend the film One Man’s Hero (its Amazon page), as well recommend Americans delve deeper regarding this part of our history which has been so long neglected.

November Evocations of Christmas – sharing this day with my regular readers

What a fine Sunday today has been. Bright sunshine and glistening snow – what a beautiful combination! I awoke to over two feet more new snow (this is the third snowstorm this season, the others brought about three feet each time).

After a mug of delicious strongly brewed tea (with orange & chocolate added), had a little breakfast, and began my day.

Spent morning hours in prayer and reading (Catholic theology).

My road was snowed in till around noon (when the neighbor man I hired to plow the road came).

Today’s snow was a delight! I spent time shoveling the deck and walkway, as well as bringing in firewood in the morning, and then later brought in much more with the help of my father. The tall pine boughs are covered in snow and the sky has been a beautiful blue with white puffy clouds. Didn’t see much wildlife today, only a few tracks in the deep snow. (Just recently, I watched a flock of 8-12 wild turkeys walk down my road, single file, treating me to a turkey parade! I also saw a lynx in the snow the other day, and a coyote. And, of course, frequently I see deer, rabbits, (bear, before they hibernate, which they’ve likely just recently begun), fox, chipmunks and squirrels, and many types of birds.)

Christmas piano music from one of my favorite solo piano cds has been playing.

Just added a couple more logs to the fire going in the woodstove (got that started early this morning, it’s now comfy cozy warm).

Am cooking two pumpkin pies right now. I’m detecting the pumpkin pie spice aroma with its cinnamon, ginger, clove, nutmeg and mace. Popcorn aroma has filled the home, too. (Left the computer for a moment to have a little of that popcorn, sprinkled it with cheese and popcorn salt – so good!) Next, I plan to cook some chocolate brownies.

After a hot bath (with one or more of my favorite essential oils), I’ll then prepare dinner.

With a good dinner, Father and I will watch a film together.

Everything about today has evoked Christmas.

As my Father often says, “Every day is Christmas in our home.”

Regarding the Humanae Vitae teachings

Faith is integral to the way I live my life in every area.  Amazingly to me, I now feel a deep understanding inside (beyond mere mental understanding) of matters which perplexed or confused me before.

I can give you a direct example of where my eyes have been opened. It is in my understanding of the Humanae Vitae teachings found in the Encyclical Letter of Pope Paul VI in 1968.

Although all my life I have always regarded life as beginning at conception, I couldn’t understand how (artificial) contraception would contradict God’s will. It seems so apparent to me now. But for much of my life, I couldn’t grasp it.

Though I don’t have to consider contraception now since I am single (and believe sex to be a sacrament reserved for marriage), it’s still a matter I’ve given thought to understand. Now, I see it as directly a matter of trusting God. Just as I trust God to provide for me in life, so I would not exclude His will from a matter as sacred as to determine whether or when a new life should be brought forth. Likewise, very importantly and completely interrelated to that, I would want to keep nothing (not even temporarily) of myself artificially from my husband.

Unlike many other females, I don’t spend any time thinking about my “biological clock”; I simply trust and gratefully accept that which naturally happens in my life as God’s will for me. Whether I have a child, or if I never do, is in God’s hands, it’s not a matter I will try to artificially control one way or the other. If I were to marry, I would trust God’s omnipotence and omniscience to determine whether I would become pregnant or not. The blessing of being entrusted with giving birth to the child of the man God would have given me would be a great honor and responsibility – I trust God to determine whether that experience is meant for me or not. God would know what is right for us. Whoever I would be and the man would be when brought together in matrimony, (paraphrasing what the wedding vows say whether we’ve come together in sickness, health, prosperity, difficulties, fertility or not, or any other life circumstance), we would come under God’s hands and intentions to love one another as we are and to help each other grow. My focus in marriage would be caring for and being a helpmate to the man in the authentic love God would have him receive.

I’m busy and happy living my life, doing the work God has put before me and blessed me with. I trust God’s guidance and His timing if such a relationship were ever to happen. If it did, I would want nothing to come between myself and the man God would have given me and given me to, for marriage is “by appointment of Jesus Christ, a sacred sign and symbol of his indissoluble union with his Church…” (The Manual of The Holy Catholic Church,  Rev. James J. McGovern, D.D., “The Sacred Bonds of Matrimony”).

Sex, as physically pleasurable and enjoyable as it is, is a gift meant to emanate from a spiritual union of two individuals. It represents God’s spiritual union with us. It is a sacred communication, joining, and sharing…a physical expression of the joyful spiritual union of two individuals giving themselves first to God, then to one another. It’s beautiful. Sexual desire is natural.  Its sharing with another individual is a gift from God for both. As such, I believe sexual union to be only for marriage.

I find this Scripture beautiful: “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.” (Mark 10: 6-8, KJV)

Trusting God, and the teachings of His will which He has entrusted and given us through The Holy Catholic Church, takes devotion, humility, strength, courage and steadfastness; it requires forsaking mere intellectual arguments that exclude the reality of a spiritual life; it means putting total faith, trust, and love of God in one’s heart and then following your heart (and asking for guidance from God when questions or temptations arise) realizing that “Temptation is necessary to us to make us realise that we are nothing in ourselves.” – The Cure D’Ars – St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney, sermon “We Are Nothing In Ourselves.”

Let us, as Catholics, trust God in all matters – without compromise.  Let’s not look to ourselves to try and figure out what is right; let us trust in His will in every area of our life as we“…walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV)

Issues of Life: This Catholic’s spiritual & libertarian perspective

All my life I have meditated upon the sanctity of life and reverence for all life.

But only in the last year and a half, as my devotion to seeking understanding in my Catholic faith has become paramount in my life, have I felt an inner understanding as never before regarding certain issues.

In years past I wavered, torn between trying to use my mind to logically analyze matters and a deep heart sense of what I felt was truly spiritually and morally correct. Any discrepancy between what I felt deep down or believed true in years before (and have come to believe or return to again) and what I had sometimes expressed or condoned came to pain me. I allowed a wondering about certain beliefs to cause me to wander away. I’ve always been sincere, but as I look back, sometimes sincerely wrong.

Such is the weakness of letting only one’s mind and intellect guide them, rather than letting their heart and its devotion to God lead and then using one’s mind to implement the divine guidance provided. Reconciliation/confession, prayer, and sharing through my writing and personal conversations of what I realize spiritually has brought peace from that pain.

libertarianism

Since reading those such as Frederic Bastiat and Leonard Read, my understanding of freedom, liberty, and my personal faith has been clarified. It’s entirely consistent to practice or abstain from something yourself and not try to impose it upon others through the force of government.

Respecting the freedom of every individual to make personal choices, free from government coercion, allows all to reap the consequences (whether negative or positive), leading to personal responsibility which is an essential part of liberty.

In my opinion, the majority of politicians (regardless of political party affiliation) have no such respect for the freedom of the American people. Thus, government gets larger, more powerful, and uses its force to make laws resulting in more government intrusion into our lives. Rather than focusing on their job of upholding the U.S. Constitution, they meddle into people’s private lives, poking their heads into bedrooms, deciding what people can or cannot ingest, what we can or cannot see, and deciding who can “legally” take our private property. They behave as if they are the epitome of righteousness with the right to judge, condemn, and define for us what is moral or immoral, healthy or unhealthy, productive or non-productive, and thus what should be legal or illegal.

If one in or seeking public office feels they cannot uphold loyalty to the U.S. Constitution (or state constitution depending upon the office) because of religious beliefs, they should have the integrity not to seek elected office. As for me, my spiritual and religious beliefs govern my behavior, not the behavior of others. I respect the freedom for others to live as they choose as long as they harm no other. I would see no contradiction between my personal beliefs and my upholding of the Constitution.

Respecting Free Will

The legitimate use of law is for recourse when an injury has been caused to another. But as we know, many laws wrongly criminalize personal behavior.

Just as you would not want those with differing beliefs to force you to accept their values, you cannot condone the government forcing the beliefs you have upon others.

Personal behavior choices, social issues, and research are not a legitimate business of the federal government to determine what is permissible, discriminate against (or for), legislate, punish, or fund with taxpayer money.

Issues not within the Constitutional realm of the federal government (and very few are) should be left to the individual states. Can you imagine a nation where states were free from the many federal mandates/restrictions they now abide by? We could have a nation of states with their own distinct “personalities,” each operating primarily as its own sovereign power under their state constitutions yet as a state of The United States, where citizens of like-mindedness could vote, keeping many decisions closer to the people as they should be.

As a Christian, I share my beliefs with others and I willingly give to causes, charities and people I want to help, but I part company with many Christians because I do not want the government involved in legislating morality nor using taxpayer money for welfare, and I oppose the federal government stepping beyond its enumerated powers to dictate what states may do.

Sex & The Humanae Vitae teachings

As a Catholic, I seek to live in God’s will for my life. I want to learn and grow in faith; my devoutness comes from adhering to the teachings of the Church and is strengthened in prayer. My faith is integral to the way I live my life in every area.

Amazingly to me, I now feel a deep understanding inside (beyond mere mental understanding) of matters which perplexed or confused me before.

I can give you a direct example of where my eyes have been opened. It is in my understanding of the Humanae Vitae teachings found in the Encyclical Letter of Pope Paul VI in 1968.

Although all my life I have always regarded life as beginning at conception, I couldn’t understand how (artificial) contraception would contradict God’s will. It seems so apparent to me now. But for much of my life, I couldn’t grasp it.

Though I don’t have to consider contraception now since I am single (and believe sex to be a sacrament reserved for marriage), it’s still a matter I’ve given thought to understand. Now, I see it as directly a matter of trusting God. Just as I trust God to provide for me in life, so I would not exclude His will from a matter as sacred as to determine whether or when a new life should be brought forth. Likewise, very importantly and completely interrelated to that, I would want to keep nothing (not even temporarily) of myself artificially from my husband.

Unlike many of my friends and associates, I’ve never felt an urge to have a child as if it it were a necessity to my life, but always felt that if it’s meant to be, it would occur in a marriage to a wonderful man. The idea of having a child has always been inextricably linked to a deep desire to love a man whom I would respect, admire, cherish and help in every way I could…only within the idea of the prerequisite of being in such a relationship have I ever been able to imagine the possibility of having a child.

With that, has always come a knowing I would respect what the man finally chose in all matters of importance, not my own will. I am first subject to God, and secondly would be subject to the man whom I loved and married since he would also be one who puts God’s will first, and as such I would have a trust in his judgment above mine.

Unlike many other females, I don’t spend any time thinking about my “biological clock”; I simply trust and gratefully accept that which naturally happens in my life as God’s will for me. Whether I have a child, or if I never do, is in God’s hands, it’s not a matter I will try to artificially control one way or the other. If I were to marry, I would trust God’s omnipotence and omniscience to determine whether I would become pregnant or not. The blessing of being entrusted with giving birth to the child of the man God would have given me would be a great honor and responsibility – I trust God to determine whether that experience is meant for me or not. God would know what is right for us. Whoever I would be and the man would be when brought together in matrimony, (paraphrasing what the wedding vows say whether we’ve come together in sickness, health, prosperity, difficulties, fertility or not, or any other life circumstance), we would come under God’s hands and intentions to love one another as we are and to help each other grow.

My focus in marriage would be caring for and being a helpmate to the man in the authentic love God would have him receive.

Not Lonely, Though Alone

I am not lonely, but alone (in regards to the marriage sacrament and its unique blessings); I rest peacefully that if it ever be God’s will for a man who puts God first who would benefit from my companionship, and I from his, in serving God together, it would happen naturally, (probably) mysteriously and wondrously since I certainly am not someone who tries to meet others to date.

I’m busy and happy living my life, doing the work God has put before me and blessed me with. I trust God’s guidance and His timing if such a relationship were ever to happen. And if it did occur, I would want nothing to come between myself and the man God would have given me and given me to, for marriage is “by appointment of Jesus Christ, a sacred sign and symbol of his indissoluble union with his Church…” (The Manual of The Holy Catholic Church,  Rev. James J. McGovern, D.D., “The Sacred Bonds of Matrimony”).

Sex, as physically pleasurable and enjoyable as it is, is a gift meant to emanate from a spiritual union of two individuals. It represents God’s spiritual union with us. It is a sacred communication, joining, and sharing…a physical expression of the joyful spiritual union of two individuals giving themselves first to God, then to one another. It’s beautiful. Sexual desire is natural.  Its sharing with another individual is a gift from God for both. As such, I personally believe sexual union to be only for marriage.

I find this Scripture beautiful: “But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.” (Mark 10: 6-8, KJV)

In Conclusion: Share What You Believe

A number of those I know are perplexed by my perception and personal choices when they discuss such matters with me. They speak from what they accept (what they consider a practical, pragmatic worldly approach) to life, but I have chosen (and that choice of faith has been strengthened continually inside my heart and in life) to “…walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 KJV)

Similarly, some of religious faith are also perplexed by my perception because they do not draw the line between their moral choices and respecting the the fundamental right of others to choose differently.

But the more I’ve shared of my faith, in addition to sharing my libertarian political stances, the more I’ve found there are those of us out there who adhere to both a religious faith and are simultaneously devoted to freedom and liberty. We may not be as rare as it sometimes seems. Perhaps all that is needed is for more of those who do live this way to make it known occasionally, so that others don’t automatically only associate Christians with those often vocal ones who have an inability to respect the freedom of people to live their lives as they choose.

For example, recently I had a happy experience of meeting someone at a political gathering who reached out and motioned toward my necklace (The Miraculous Medal which I always wear) while asking me if I were Catholic. When I replied yes, the lady was most insistent that we speak together before we left. We did: regarding our faith, our parishes, ministries we participated in, and what experiences we each had regarding sharing our liberty views with fellow believers and vice versa. Turned out she was a state representative. It was a most enjoyable sharing!

I think it’s important those with spiritual and religious basis for their life, who are libertarian, let others know; for that in itself can dispel many false assumptions among believers and non-believers.

As for one’s personal spiritual and religious choices – It takes courage and steadfastness; it requires forsaking mere intellectual arguments that exclude the reality of a spiritual life; it means putting total faith, trust, and love of God in one’s heart and then following your heart (and asking for guidance from God when questions or temptations arise) realizing that “Temptation is necessary to us to make us realise that we are nothing in ourselves.” – The Cure D’Ars – St. Jean-Marie-Baptiste Vianney, sermon “We Are Nothing In Ourselves.”

U.S.Govt. Busy Building Walls While World Celebrates Fall of Berlin Wall Anniversary

 The capacity for human beings to repeat serious mistakes astounds me.  One needn’t have suffered serious consequences themselves in order to learn from the experiences of others. 

But wisdom isn’t a word applicable to the U.S. government, nor it appears to many of the American people.
 
For if wise, this nation wouldn’t be hurrying to build walls between ourselves and the rest of the world.

One of the major breakthroughs for freedom celebrated across the world is the tumbling of the Berlin Wall.  And yet, it is the United States who, although vocal in its lip service to commemorating this triumph, rushes forward to build up such walls physically, economically, and spiritually. 

Metaphorically speaking, this nation has built an enormous wall akin to that of the Eastern bloc’s through its militaristic oppression of peoples worldwide, its economic trade wars, and even an actual border wall. 

The invasions and occupations of sovereign nations, the torture, the sanctions, the discrimination against immigrants, and other forms of repression…these are all building a mighty wall between our country and other countries and their people worldwide. 

The discrepancy between the message of freedom and liberty this government proclaims proudly versus the reality of its anti-freedom, anti-liberty policies domestically and internationally is an ever increasing chasm.  Yet the American people have long contributed to this hypocrisy with their unquestioning “patriotic” platitudes which make them feel good about themselves without actually being good.

Devotion to truth will bring far more peace between the American people and the peoples of the world.  Such truth seeking and ending of the unjust workings of this government and the evil it has perpetuated against others worldwide for decades is part of true patriotism…blind acceptance or apathetic ignorance is not.

As millions hail the end of the infamous Berlin Wall twenty years ago (as of November 9, 2009), let us as Americans use its 20th anniversary not for mere lip service to the triumph of the human spirit and its quest for liberty, let us use it rather as a motivator to fight the development of any such tyranny from our own government – be it perpetrated toward us or toward others (which in reality is one and the same). 

Once any degree of tyranny is accepted, it is so much more difficult to extricate a nation from it.  And, yet, such behavior has been accepted for decades, making it all the more critical that those who value liberty reject and expose these affronts against the natural rights of human beings, restore liberties lost, and march forward in strength and control of government – making sure it exist purely for protection of rights not subjugation thereof.

To this goal, let us join with the rest of the world in remembering the fall of the Berlin Wall.  To the goal of tearing down our government’s own walls requires a relinquishment of the walls within which keeps people from identifying with others who suffer at the hands of our government. 

Do not be fooled by the honoring praises of U.S. politicians regarding the falling of the Berlin Wall, for it is likely many of those speaking such fine-sounding words will  be some of those who have either condoned or are responsible for acts which egregiously contradict their words of appreciation for freedom.  Love of freedom and respect for liberty cannot be divided…you cannot say you care about freedom and individual liberty for certain groups of human beings to the exclusion of others.  And, yet, that is precisely what many U.S. politicians do, as the policies they support deny respect for the freedom and liberty of others and their sovereignty.

Just as the citizens of East and West Germany were able to come together once the totalitarian government lost its power to exert control, a reunification of the American people with our brothers and sisters of all nationalities, cultures and traditions will bring prosperity and harmony through peaceful coexistence and connections, trade, and immigration.  What will it take for that to happen?  Perhaps the same factors which brought about and contributed to the collapse of the Berlin Wall: a strong courageous people and an economically strained  government which could no longer feasibly continue its oppression against a people yearning for freedom.  

As Berliners commemorate with a “Festival of Freedom,” let us orient toward the day when we will have our own such festivity….a time when all the artificial walls constructed and maintained by the U.S. government forcing a barrier between Americans and the rest of the world are gone…a time when we’ve returned to a Constitutional Republic which respects the fundamental rights of all human beings…a time when we will celebrate with our own Festival of Freedom. 

Fort Hood Tragedy

Think about this military psychiatrist and all the horror stories, the post traumatic stress disorders, he has encountered in his work…being placed in a system which forces him to do something perhaps he felt was wrong…which he disagreed with, and to which he didn’t want to subject himself again…perhaps feeling enraged and trapped in such a system caused a sad horrible reaction.  Whatever the rationale may have been in no way justifies murder, but what may have brought him to such a desperate point should be thought about.

It’s speculation at this point, but addressing the causation of what may have led the man to such a deplorable sad violent act would be far more productive than simply condemning him as a “coward” and propping up the government and its military actions worldwide by saying the man “didn’t want to do his job.” 

It’s time we as a nation question the reasons behind this sort of violence, and that questioning must address the foreign policy we have which is obviously subjecting our military to a degree of stress we haven’t witnessed before. 

Mine was the only voice with that perspective, and I and the host had a heated exchange after my initial comments. 

The host objected to my reference to our “insane foreign policy” and accused me of giving the shooter an “alibi,” to which I simply said, no, I do not excuse such a horrible evil murderous act, that evil does not justify evil, that such murders are not justified, but I do believe it’s important we examine the reasons which could lead a man to this degree of disturbance.  To seek what might have caused such a reaction is not to excuse it.

I was then irrationally criticized by a subsequent caller for not having appreciation for the right I have to speak as a woman when I wouldn’t be allowed to talk that way “under Sharia law”   Such irrational reactions I expect, but was pleased to have had the opportunity to raise the question we should be addressing as a people for the many listeners to the radio show.

Cause and effect must be considered. But

As I said in my call, something is terribly wrong when we see such incidents as this. 

(My approx. 5 minute phone call may be heard at the 850 KOA website:  visit the 11-5-09 6PM listing on The Ride Home show page, “the discussion on the mass shooting at Fort Hood continues” segment.  My call begins at approximately the 18-minute mark.)