On the Eve of Independence Day

From the Book of Common Prayer:

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Its been 18 months since 1/20/09, the day that the so-called tyranny of the previous eight years was to be reversed by the one promising "Hope and Change". I shudder in observing that whatever supposed tyranny of that era has grown geometrically.

From a political standpoint, I'm not a Republican. The Republican Party, despite her noble roots has proven herself in this past decade to be a gaggle of spendthrift nanny-staters that would make many progressives proud. Though there was a time when I would have been proud to stand with rank and file Republicans, that changed during the Bush years after watching that party expand the limits of Governmental reach while spending like a drunken sailor.

I'm a Christian Libertarian. More specifically, a Libertarian who embraces the Judeo-Christian Consensus. As a Libertarian, I see the US Constitution as being perhaps the greatest document produced to steer and govern the conduct of a nation. Where and when necessary, its been tweaked. By and large though, it has proved to be the greatest document produced this side of Divinely inspired Scripture.

I'm greatly concerned this Independence Day 2010, as I watch an out of control Executive Branch in a full on power grab. Several constitutional articles, along amendments enumerated within the Bill of Rights and following amendments are being ignored outright. I fear the results as Congress, in a feeding frenzy, spends (or writes a string on bum checks) funds that aren't there. This current administration has set on a course that will only lead to constitutional and fiscal disaster if allowed to proceed on unchecked.

Tomorrow, Conservative, Liberal, or Libertarian; in the midst of your celebrations, stop for a moment of prayer. Remember the admonition of the Psalmist:

"Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman keeps awake in vain."

There will be no perfect government this side of Eternity. However, we Americans enjoy the best, most blessed nation in human history.