I’m afraid you missed the point of my post. At no time did I say that I was an advocate for a theocracy. Neither did I bring up any issues regarding Sunday alcohol sales or any other blue laws. Just because I made mention of Jesus Christ and giving God glory, you stereotyped me in an unfair way. You might be surprised where I stand on many of the issues you raised, but that is not the point of my post, nor of this thread.

The point of my post was to address one of the points Icarus brought up in his, motivation for political activity. I was simply pointing out that it is very easy for those of us who are involved in politics to be so for the wrong reason. I also pointed out that the only proper motivation for anything should be to glorify God. You don’t have to believe this, and you obviously don’t. I would never attempt to force you, or anyone else to believe it. However, whether you believe it or not doesn’t change the truth of it.

I thank you for your father’s service. You illustrate that the sacrifice isn’t just from him, it is from you, your family, and his friends.

I was lucky enough to have my father for just over 30 years. But like you mentioned above, I got to really “know” him through his friends. They are some of the pieces of him that are still left, and I’m glad that you were able to make that connection as well.

I agree and thank you for the post!

I apologize if I went too personal, but for some I hope they enjoy reading the history (embellished I’m sure and not completely accurate, as in the “official” cause of my father’s plane crash) and others I hope it reminds them of what our veterans and the families of veterans have given to our great country.
Some believe war is sometimes necessary (I do believe this), However, it should always, and I do mean always, be the last resort… for the price is far more expensive than any dollar amount ever given.

May the Lord Jesus protect, strengthen, & bless our troops. May He have mercy on our country and cause us to remember His grace & blessings on the USA during this Memorial Day weekend.

“But do our political activities serve the purpose of ensuring life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? Or do they serve to score cheap political points? Do we attempt to see people from other political parties as Americans who have a different approach from me, or do we see them as the enemy?”

Definitely something for everyone to think about. Personally, I don’t see Democrats or Republicans as enemies, in the same way I hope they don’t see Libertarians as enemies. We all agree on certain issues, but not others. I was going to make a generalization here that we agree on civil liberties with Democrats and fiscal conservatism with Republicans, but with so many Republican politicians being just as spendy as the Dems, I just can’t honestly say that.

But it begs the question – what is freedom? Is freedom letting politicians decide when a business can sell beverages to consumers? Is it telling people they’re not allowed to own firearms? What about telling people that they’re not allowed to do certain things that aren’t good for them – drugs, unhealthy food, etc? Is freedom outlawing assisting someone in ending their life because they’re suffering from a horrible disease? Is freedom taking from the rich and giving to the poor? Is freedom taxing half of someone’s estate when they die, when that money has already been taxed once or twice? Is freedom telling two homosexual men or two homosexual women that they are not allowed to receive the same benefits as straight couples just because they refuse to marry someone of the opposite sex? What is freedom?

I submit to you that the theocracy that some crave is not freedom. Steve – I totally respect your right to believe whatever you wish. However, I also respect someone’s right to practice faiths other than Christianity – including agnosticism and atheism. Just because I might consider your beliefs just as real as my friend’s daughter’s belief in the tooth fairy, doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to believe it. However, should those beliefs be forced on someone else? Do you consider it freedom to tell someone that they’re not allowed to walk into a grocery store and pick up a bottle of wine for Sunday lunch just because you’re practicing your chosen religion that day? What about Seventh Day Adventists? Shouldn’t we then outlaw alcohol sales on Saturday, since they’ve chosen a different day to practice their religion? What about Wednesday… Wednesday shouldn’t be a day of freedom either since many churches have Wednesday evening services. What other days of the week should we turn into non free days because a religion exists that sets that day aside for services, prayer, jumping up and down and running up and down the aisles and jumping on pews (was it Church of God that does this kind of stuff? It’s been a while since I’ve been to one of whatever church that was…)

My point is this – while too many politicians believe that what they’re doing is for the common good – for the protection of morality – or whatever else their excuse is…. they’re simply limiting our freedoms. Speaking of beliefs, I believe our founding fathers would be ashamed at what we’ve allowed our politicians to turn this country into.

http://www.history.army.mil/moh.html

His proudest moment was the day he graduated Ranger School as top Ranger. Ranger school takes a lot out of a man and most drop out, unable to complete the rigorous training it takes to be a Ranger. (I’ll brag on him because he never will)

Icarus, your story reminds me of all the 12 mile road marches Mike had to do with 80 – 90 lbs on his back. Being a soldier takes sacrifice and dedication. We are truly blessed to have men and women willing to volunteer for this service.

It has been many years since Mike got out of the military but the experience made him the man he is today. He is a wonderful husband and father.

God Bless all our men and women who have served and who will serve.

fixed — Chrisf

Thank you for posting this. My wife and I had this very conversation tonight: are we politically involved for the right reasons. Obviously, many are not, and it is very hard not to fall into that sin. You point out the sacrifices made by our veterans, which are real and should not be forgotten. However, we should not forget that the real reason for political activity, for military service, and for all we do should be to bring glory to God. My wife and I determined that we are not in it for the wrong reasons, but we have to be very careful not to fall into the motivation of selfish ambition. Yes, the temptation is great, but we must always be on guard against it.

Our military men and women make great sacrifices for us. Some give the ultimate sacrifice; however, Christ really gave the ultimate sacrifice by giving his sinless life for us sinners. On this Memorial Day, may we remember the great men and women who have gone before us to fight for our freedoms that we enjoy. May we also remember that all of that would be for nothing if it weren’t for Christ, the true mediator of our freedom.