restoring our biblical and constitutional foundations
“No King But Jesus!”
We are going to war. Our war machine is in place. The only thing lacking is a nod from the White House. The 222,000 American, British, and Australian troops massed in the Gulf are considered ample for combat. Yes, we are going to war, despite the fact that serious moral, legal, political, and strategic questions about the war remain.
You can forget the unification efforts of the U.S. and Britain as they prepare for a final effort at the United Nations to win international support through a second resolution. The day of freedom is drawing near, said Mr. Bush on Thursday. It is the will of the Almighty to liberate the people of Iraq, he proclaimed.
Opponents of the war are now being called wimps. Patriotism, as usual, is being defined as My country, Right or Wrong. Even war heroes are being called cowards, including General Anthony Zinni, retired Marine commander Joseph P. Hoar, and the most decorated soldier of the Vietnam War era, Colonel David Hackworth.
The will of the Almighty?
Protesters as cowards?
Patriotism = Nationalism?
If you think youve got nothing to worry about, youd better think again. I love my country, but I am deeply concerned for her future.
As I have said elsewhere, I will support a war with Iraq if the President asks for and gets a congressional declaration of war, as he is required to do (note: this is not a recommendation) by the U.S. Constitution, which he swore to preserve, protect, and defend. Lacking such a declaration, Bushs war will be an illegal and unconstitutional usurpation of power. As long as Americans remain intent on ignoring the bedrock document of American political history, Chuck Baldwins words will ring true: Patriotism is more than waving a flag and beating war drums. Patriotism involves reverence and submission to the laws and principles contained in our Constitution and in our heritage. It does not mean blindly following a politicianany politician! Patriotism also demands that the American people hold their elected leaders accountable to the Constitution.
As we contemplate the arrogation of power taking place in Washington today, I am wondering whether we need to revive the watchword of the American Revolution:
No King But Jesus!
February 24, 2003
David Alan Black is the editor of www.daveblackonline.com.