As we lead into to the election I have compiled some thoughts to consider.
"The history of the first English settlements in America, and of the measures which prepared the way for a revolution in the colonies, is too interesting not to be well understood by people of common curiosity and reading...That history unfolds a series of great events, evidently suited to accomplish important purposes in the economy of Divine Providence....events which every American of expanded views must contemplate with admiration; and every Christian, with delight." - Noah Webster
We all recognize that America is a place. Most will recognize that it is also a philosophy. America is inseparable, attached to certain ideas, sentiments, and values with which Americans identify.
Liberty, self-determination, virtue, humility, courage, hard work, prayer , and a reliance on God. The American philosophy is a molten amalgam of the dreams and aspirations of millions of disparate peoples.
In our foundational years, perhaps more than many others, it was the master wordsmiths, orators, pastors, lawyers, and politicians who forged and molded those values and hopes into solid prose and soliloquies. The American soul was forged in the smithy of the spoken word and printed page.
We are a nation rooted in the revolutionary oratory of men like Patrick Henry and pamphletary of Thomas Paine, the fiery rhetoric of Samuel Adams and the stirring sermonizing from the pens and pulpits of men like pastor Samuel Sewell and Jonathan Mayhew. The colonial Committees of Correspondence and newspapers circulated revolutionary ideas, while incendiary tracts by James Otis and others gave backbone and resolve to the colonists. All the while Ben Franklin's wit shined and amused while it gave context and perspective.
Our reliance on the word goes back to the settlers and the First Charter of Virginia. It continues through the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the Constitution of the United States, and the Bill of Rights. As Noah Webster said; "People of common curiosity and reading ought to know this story and know it well."
I challenge us to learn our own story. Actually read these documents that define who we actually are as a country rather than relying on what we hear. Read these documents before you cast your vote in this election. Read these documents as a civic duty.
I challenge all of us to recognize the true significance of this election. Please take the time to learn what actual policies that each one of the candidates and their specific party supports and measure that against your values and your faith. I don't write this particular post to sway you one way or another. I write this post based on a conviction in my heart as the leader of this school and an officer in the United States Military to get us back to our roots as a country no matter the candidate. "Freedom is a fragile thing and it's never more than one generation away from extinction." - Ronald Reagan
I have been blessed to serve this great nation for a little over 17 years in our military. I have sworn to protect the very thing that Reagan deemed as so fragile, our freedom. The concept of freedom is something that has immense meaning to me because of its cost. Freedom truly has a price and it is always paid for in full.
Freedom is represented by both your name and my name. As long as God will give me the strength and health I will continue to step forward and serve alongside our other brothers and sisters in arms with the tools and skills that this great country affords us. I ask that you continue to help protect the fragility of our freedom with the power of your vote. Your vote matters. Your vote has power, wield it well.
(The image above was the day I left to go to the War in Iraq/Syria. Selah was 5 months old at the time and I didnt see her again until she was 18 months old. I don't share the photo for sympathy or anything like that. I share that photo only to put a face with the cost. This only one small example. There are countless others across the nation.)
This country is important. This country's foundations are important. This country's future is important. Let's get out and vote together!
(some excerpts from the Patriots Reference)
Lead NWA well this week!
- Dr. Keith McDaniel
