Opus 2012-125, We Have Met the Enemy

Most people will agree that times are hard.  What we might disagree on are the areas of greatest concern.  What we definitely disagree on is how to fix the problems.  The Progressives (aka Liberals, socialists, left wingers, or Democrats) believe that America is in decline and that decline is a good thing because they believe we have been a cancer on the earth.  Many would agree that the danger of society falling apart is upon us.  We see violence and unemployment.  We hear the Chinese sabers rattling.  We are concerned about Iranian nuclear ambitions.  The One World Government is being advanced by the Treaty of the Seas and one about the Rights of the Child.  Hillary Clinton and the Obama administration are buying into international treaties that want to disarm American citizens.

The storm clouds are all around us.  Abraham Lincoln gives us a word for the day.

“At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer:  If it ever reach us it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time, or die by suicide.”

His point is a good one.  We do not need to fear any foreign power.  We do not need to come unglued by the problems of the rest of the world.  Our way of life is strong and resilient.  But that is true only as long as we are a “nation of freemen.” 

The question is, “Are we still a nation of freemen?”  When you hear about half of all Americans getting some check from the Federal Government you wonder.  When you see the growing entitlement programs and welfare expectations you begin to doubt.  The danger is here and it is among us.  I believe it was the cartoon Pogo that came up with the phrase, “We have met the enemy, and it is us.”

The wisdom of history is available if we will listen.

Lincoln, Abraham.  “Opposition to Mob-Rule, Address Before the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois, January 27, 1837.”  The Writings of Abraham Lincoln - Volume 1: 1832-1843.  Amazon Free Edition.  Kindle Loc. 1482-84.

homo unius libri