President Eisenhower’s Farewell Address

My fellow Americans:

Three days from now, after half a century in the service of our country, I shall lay down the responsibilities of office as, in traditional and solemn ceremony, the authority of the Presidency is vested in my successor.

This evening I come to you with a message of leave-taking and farewell, and to share a few final thoughts with you, my countrymen.

Like every other citizen, I wish the new President, and all who will labor with him, Godspeed. I pray that the coming years will be blessed with peace and prosperity for all.

Our people expect their President and the Congress to find essential agreement on issues of great moment, the wise resolution of which will better shape the future of the Nation.

My own relations with the Congress, which began on a remote and tenuous basis when, long ago, a member of the Senate appointed me to West Point, have since ranged to the intimate during the war and immediate post-war period, and, finally, to the mutually interdependent during these past eight years.

In this final relationship, the Congress and the Administration have, on most vital issues, cooperated well, to serve the national good rather than mere partisanship, and so have assured that the business of the Nation should go forward. So, my official relationship with the Congress ends in a feeling, on my part, of gratitude that we have been able to do so much together.

******

We now stand ten years past the midpoint of a century that has witnessed four major wars among great nations. Three of these involved our own country. Despite these holocausts America is today the strongest, the most influential and most productive nation in the world. Understandably proud of this pre-eminence, we yet realize that America’s leadership and prestige depend, not merely upon our unmatched material progress, riches and military strength, but on how we use our power in the interests of world peace and human betterment.

******

Throughout America’s adventure in free government, our basic purposes have been to keep the peace; to foster progress in human achievement, and to enhance liberty, dignity and integrity among people and among nations. To strive for less would be unworthy of a free and religious people. Any failure traceable to arrogance, or our lack of comprehension or readiness to sacrifice would inflict upon us grievous hurt both at home and abroad.

Progress toward these noble goals is persistently threatened by the conflict now engulfing the world. It commands our whole attention, absorbs our very beings. We face a hostile ideology-global in scope, atheistic in character, ruthless in purpose, and insidious in method. Unhappily the danger it poses promises to be of indefinite duration. To meet it successfully, there is called for, not so much the emotional and transitory sacrifices of crisis, but rather those which enable us to carry forward steadily, surely, and without complaint the burdens of a prolonged and complex struggle-with liberty at stake. Only thus shall we remain, despite every provocation, on our charted course toward permanent peace and human betterment.

Crises there will continue to be. In meeting them, whether foreign or domestic, great or small, there is a recurring temptation to feel that some spectacular and costly action could become the miraculous solution to all current difficulties. A huge increase in newer elements of our defense; development of unrealistic programs to cure every ill in agriculture; a dramatic expansion in basic and applied research-these and many other possibilities, each possibly promising in itself, may be suggested as the only way to the road we wish to travel.

But each proposal must be weighed in the light of a broader consideration: the need to maintain balance in and among national programs-balance between the private and the public economy, balance between cost and hoped for advantage-balance between the clearly necessary and the comfortably desirable; balance between our essential requirements as a nation and the duties imposed by the nation upon the individual; balance between action of the moment and the national welfare of the future. Good judgment seeks balance and progress; lack of it eventually finds imbalance and frustration.

The record of many decades stands as proof that our people and their government have, in the main, understood these truths and have responded to them well, in the face of stress and threat. But threats, new in kind or degree, constantly arise. I mention two only.

******

A vital element in keeping the peace is our military establishment. Our arms must be mighty, ready for instant action, so that no potential aggressor may be tempted to risk his own destruction.

Our military organization today bears little relation to that known by any of my predecessors in peace time, or indeed by the fighting men of World War II or Korea.

Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United State corporations.

This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence-economic, political, even spiritual-is felt in every city, every state house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.

In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.

We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together.

Akin to, and largely responsible for the sweeping changes in our industrial-military posture, has been the technological revolution during recent decades.

In this revolution, research has become central; it also becomes more formalized, complex, and costly. A steadily increasing share is conducted for, by, or at the direction of, the Federal government.

Today, the solitary inventor, tinkering in his shop, has been over shadowed by task forces of scientists in laboratories and testing fields. In the same fashion, the free university, historically the fountainhead of free ideas and scientific discovery, has experienced a revolution in the conduct of research. Partly because of the huge costs involved, a government contract becomes virtually a substitute for intellectual curiosity. For every old blackboard there are now hundreds of new electronic computers.

The prospect of domination of the nation’s scholars by Federal employment, project allocations, and the power of money is ever present and is gravely to be regarded.

Yet, in holding scientific research and discovery in respect, as we should, we must also be alert to the equal and opposite danger that public policy could itself become the captive of a scientific-technological elite.

It is the task of statesmanship to mold, to balance, and to integrate these and other forces, new and old, within the principles of our democratic system-ever aiming toward the supreme goals of our free society.

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Another factor in maintaining balance involves the element of time. As we peer into society’s future, we-you and I, and our government-must avoid the impulse to live only for today, plundering, for our own ease and convenience, the precious resources of tomorrow. We cannot mortgage the material assets of our grandchildren without risking the loss also of their political and spiritual heritage. We want democracy to survive for all generations to come, not to become the insolvent phantom of tomorrow.

******

Down the long lane of the history yet to be written America knows that this world of ours, ever growing smaller, must avoid becoming a community of dreadful fear and hate, and be, instead, a proud confederation of mutual trust and respect.

Such a confederation must be one of equals. The weakest must come to the conference table with the same confidence as do we, protected as we are by our moral, economic, and military strength. That table, though scarred by many past frustrations, cannot be abandoned for the certain agony of the battlefield.

Disarmament, with mutual honor and confidence, is a continuing imperative. Together we must learn how to compose difference, not with arms, but with intellect and decent purpose. Because this need is so sharp and apparent I confess that I lay down my official responsibilities in this field with a definite sense of disappointment. As one who has witnessed the horror and the lingering sadness of war-as one who knows that another war could utterly destroy this civilization which has been so slowly and painfully built over thousands of years-I wish I could say tonight that a lasting peace is in sight.

Happily, I can say that war has been avoided. Steady progress toward our ultimate goal has been made. But, so much remains to be done. As a private citizen, I shall never cease to do what little I can to help the world advance along that road.

******

So-in this my last good night to you as your President-I thank you for the many opportunities you have given me for public service in war and peace. I trust that in that service you find somethings worthy; as for the rest of it, I know you will find ways to improve performance in the future.

You and I-my fellow citizens-need to be strong in our faith that all nations, under God, will reach the goal of peace with justice. May we be ever unswerving in devotion to principle, confident but humble with power, diligent in pursuit of the Nation’s great goals.

To all the peoples of the world, I once more give expression to America’s prayerful and continuing inspiration:

We pray that peoples of all faiths, all races, all nations, may have their great human needs satisfied; that those now denied opportunity shall come to enjoy it to the full; that all who yearn for freedom may experience its spiritual blessings; that those who have freedom will understand, also, its heavy responsibilities; that all who are insensitive to the needs of others will learn charity; that the scourges of poverty, disease and ignorance will be made to disappear from the earth, and that, in the goodness of time, all peoples will come to live together in a peace guaranteed by the binding force of mutual respect and love.

President’s Day

Jake felt the pull, clear as day he did.  The Urge, the desire to fight, nature’s instinct when threatened.  Why? 

“We have had 13 states independent 11 years.  There has been one rebellion.  That comes to one rebellion in a century and a half for each state.  What country before ever existed a century and half without a rebellion?  And what country can preserve its liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance?  Let them take arms.  The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them.  What signify a few lives lost in a century or two?  The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” – Thomas Jefferson

           Is The Urge justified, or something stimulated by Social Media? He thought the national debt to be real.  Supply chain problems?  They seem real too.  Inflation?  Yeah, definitely.  Submitting the instincts to God, Jake reverted to Thanksgiving, as often was the case on holydays. 

“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5

            We were free, Jake again reminded himself, yet the battle raged onward.  Are free, he fought further.  An Ancient once told him, “Behind every sin is a Lie you are believing,” and now his spidey-sense danced in full alarm. 

Was his nation borrowing more, creating more programs to ‘help’ people, trading freedom for the lie?  “You should create more programs funded by money you printed – that’s a good solution,” the voices taunted, saying the lies out loud now.

When he felt The Urge to fight, Jake often turned to Comedy as his relief valve.  And although Monty Python’s classics helped him to remember that he should always look on the bright side of life and not take things too seriously, he still found it difficult to shrug and smile the voices away.  To Jake, they were trying to enslave his children – a person who couldn’t defend himself needed a good man who knew he should help.

“Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.” – Abraham Lincoln

We should be debt-free – again he heard it plain as day, connecting with the Truth of it.  Through issuing of debt, his government was indenturing his children’s future earnings and production to men who cared nothing for them, their futures, their families, or their livelihoods.  

“I predict future happiness for Americans, if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” – Thomas Jefferson

Through issuing of debt, his government now paid, just in interest on the debt it issued, over a thousand million-dollar stacks, each and every day, to entities that cared nothing for us. “Yeah, that should be good for the people,” the voices taunted further. “Let’s borrow money to fight a war on poverty,” they heckled now.

“It is an old maxim and a very sound one, that he that dances should always pay the fiddler.  Now, sir, in the present case, if any gentlemen, whose money is a burden to them, choose to lead off a dance, I am decidedly opposed to the people’s money being used to pay the fiddler.”– Abraham Lincoln

“Thank you God for this world,” he began slowly and purposefully, the battle in full force now. 

“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” – Proverbs 22:7

“Thank you for giving us a place where we can be free and good; where we can honor you, treat others as we wish to be treated, and live under a government that treats all equally, fair, and maintains an honest and balanced budget.  To be beacons of your light Lord Jesus, thank you.”

“The LORD detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” – Proverbs 11:1

“Let the Dollar be a Dollar,” came the message now, it’s simplicity stupefying.  In truth, it now seemed as if President’s Day Holiday itself existed solely such that Jake would re-learn the Ancients’ campaign slogan. 

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” – Galatians 6:7

And when you win, when the Lord blesses you, you help those around you.  You show His Love.  That’s our best world.  That’s WHY He wants it.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” – Deuteronomy 31:6

The Battle intensifying, Jake again felt as if he could glimpse the end zone… the goal… the mirage of a world at peace shining in the heavens, New Jerusalem in all its beauty. 

“I wish it were possible to obtain a single amendment to our Constitution. I would be willing to depend on that alone for the reduction of the administration of our government; I mean an additional article taking from the Federal Government the power of borrowing.” – Thomas Jefferson

What could he do? Jake pondered.  How could he best help?  What would the Lord want him to do?  If it truly was a holy day, a time to dedicate to a higher power… and if we would try to hear our Presidents, what would they say?

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time.” – Barack Obama

The time is now.  This IS the universe we have!  Eyes instinctively scanning for cover, his mind always searching for a safer spot, Jake fought The Urge.  But the voices only crowded him further, leaving him nowhere to retreat.

“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

2024 Campaign Rally – “Let a Dollar be a Dollar”

#WakemeupatBalancedBudgetConstitutionalAmendment

#VisionPresident

The Un-Informed American

Dear World,

We don’t know why our government handled our withdrawal from Afghanistan in the manner it did.  Most of the time, we don’t even believe they know why.  We don’t really understand how or why the Pakistanis support the Taliban, why Iranian government officials fund groups who plot to mass murder people, why there are Chinese camps of abuse, how Indians should respond to attacks in the Kashmir region – we’re not exactly sure what the solution looks like or how the Lord will bring it to pass.  We do realize that it is critically important for us to continue trying.

“The World is not ours to keep.  We hold it in trust for future generations.” – Kofi Annan

We didn’t know that we made some agreement with Taliban officials in Qatar, admittedly probably due to the fact that we weren’t paying attention.   In any case, we don’t know why we transitioned out without a UN force replacement, a signed UN Resolution – did we approach the UN about a resolution and peacekeeping force?  We still don’t know.  This article is from last month – claiming this as a copy of a “draft” letter to Taliban from UN.  We agree with you Norway et al, let’s roll – let us not grow weary of doing good.

“More than ever before in human history, we share a common destiny.  We can master it only if we face it together.  And that is why we have the United Nations.” – Kofi Annan

We don’t know why we left Afghanistan without fire protection, without getting our civilians and equipment out – it all seems bizarrely poorly managed to us, to say the least.  And we now fear whatever UN Peacekeeping Force is positioned will end up having to combat weapons we left behind.  Our government points fingers at itself, always blaming other people’s misjudgements.  We didn’t know who Zalmay Khalizad was, why we didn’t sign a force agreement with the Afghanis, and we don’t really know what to make of it all.

“I think we agree, the past is over.” – George Bush 

But here is what we do know:

Life is hard enough without people purposefully making it more difficult.  Men and Women are born as children of God, meant to be cherished and loved, and all people have an inalienable right to pursue happiness in this world.  They need to be free to do so, and this noble cause unites good men and women across the globe.  A man has a right to go to work without being blown up, abused, or assaulted.  That’s what we know.  In today’s world of weapons of mass destruction, instant worldwide communication, and international trade increasing the quality of so many lives across the globe, the United Nations has a critical role to play in our future – AS a defender of justice, peace, and security.

“We Mutually Pledge To Each Other Our Lives, our Fortunes, And Our Sacred Honor.” – US Founders

Dear Afghanistan

Dear Afghanistan,

As America returns home, I feel there is something you need to hear.    

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.  But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:43-45

          I remember when men, hiding in your nation, killed our sons and daughters.  Although free and good men could not tolerate it, nor can we forget, we will always try to forgive.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.” – Matthew 5:6

          You have tasted Freedom. 

“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” – George Washington

          We will continue to try to demonstrate righteousness, to treat you as we would hope you would treat us, and to support the good men and women throughout the world who believe that, indeed, we are children of our Father in heaven, and He both blesses and charges us with Freedom.

“So if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed.” – John 8:36

Our sincere hope now is that you can better see the Truth about Us.  Every Peace begins with an end to War.  When you hear claims that we are infidels, pigs, and tyrants (and war does bring out the worst traits even in the best of men), I hope you’ll remember that, for 2o years now, we have trained side by side with you.  We did NOT come to Afghanistan to exploit you, rule over you, take your land, steal from you, impose our will, laws, and religion upon you – those were all lies.  America has never been a colonizing nation.  We were born fighting against such a notion, asserting instead that men are free, created equal, and that these free men decide what government is best for them.  So we had to leave.  In order for us to remain US, we must leave the government of Afghanistan to the people of Afghanistan. 

“If there is one principle more deeply rooted in the mind of every American, it is that we should have nothing to do with conquest.” – Thomas Jefferson

We came to Afghanistan because we, like you, have men and women who wish to be loving, kind, gentle, and free, and there are evil people in the world – people who strive to kill, maim, and destroy.  Those men are dead, and your country is yours – make it a good one.

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” – Abraham Lincoln

Good men will continue battling Evil til the End of time.  Until that day, we will continue to work with whatever government you establish.  Yes, I mean that.  YOU have the baton now, you ARE FREE to choose your future, and what you become now IS up to you.    

“Freedom is not free.” – Korean War Veterans Memorial

Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Japan, Britain – others have fought with us in the past but today trade as friends, trying to make each other’s lives a little better.  I pray this is our future as well.  You are a child of God, you can be a light of righteousness even when it is darkest, and the Lord does take care of his children.  Stay strong, speak truth, be good, and have faith.  God is compassionate and merciful.  Seek Him and you will find.  Keep up the good fight!  We wish nothing but the best for your sons and daughters, We love you, and, for those of you whose souls continue to cry out for freedom, We hear you!

Yours in Faith.  🇺🇸

NEW DEAL 3 : Our first 100 days

“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you will cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” – John Quincy Adams

This election cycle, for the first time, I will be voting for myself for the office of President of the United States of America. I realize such a plan has never resulted in success for anyone seeking any political position, but to be honest, when I look at our political stalemate in Washington, I wonder if VisionPresident running as an Independent is the only way we can actually experience the positive change our nation desperately needs.

“If you want to make enemies, try to change something.” – Woodrow Wilson

As I no longer believe that our system of government, political parties, media conglomerates, high money donors, and apparatus of federal infrastructure will allow the American people to vote FOR our proper course, I will write my name on the ballot, offer myself for God and country, and, if elected, lead a team to implement New Deal 3. I do believe my experiences within the military and civilian sectors, in particular with Continuous Process Improvement (CPI), Lean/Six Sigma (LSS), and Team building, would serve the people well if elected.

“I am not the smartest fellow in the world, but I can sure pick smart colleagues.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

As it would take nothing short of a miracle for my countrymen to become aware of me, understand the charted course I represent, hand write my name on the ballot outside of political affiliation, and for our establishment to then recognize such an unprecedented act as a legitimate choice for President, I do realize that such a day will only come if the Almighty wills it. But, as I feel that New Deal 3 reflects His desires, I would be remiss in my duties as a servant if I did not, at this time, present what I would do if this miracle happened, with whom I would hope to liaison to accomplish our shared goals, and a vision of what it would look like if ever the American people did decide to venture down the path of New Deal 3.

“I was not a great communicator, but I communicated great things.” – Ronald Reagan

So, with the aforementioned miracle now accomplished, with the American people convinced not only that the course we are on is not our proper one, but that New Deal 3 is the right answer for our nation going forward, and with my name written on the majority of ballots, I present what my administration would accomplish in the first 100 days, explain how this is in line with our collective course as a nation, and then leave it to you, to fate, and to God to determine our future.

“Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country.” – George Washington

First, we will review the large scale implications of New Deal 3 – what would be accomplished in 4 years.

  • Elimination of all federal debt
  • Incorporation of Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment
  • Federal Health Savings Accounts for each United States citizen
  • Federal Education Savings Accounts for each school age child residing within these United States
  • Elimination of all federal subsidization programs
  • Elimination of all future federal government obligations (lump sum payout of old system)
  • Replacement of Tax system with one tax rate on all transactions, removal of all tax write offs and/or credits, and incorporation of a wealth tax on America’s wealthiest citizens

“All men are by nature equal, made all of the same earth by one workman.” – Plato

Within the first 100 days, my administration would:

  • Call for State vote on Convention of States to propose Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment for State ratification
  • Establish Health Savings Accounts (with HSA charge cards provided to each US citizen) based on most recent census
  • Establish Education Savings Accounts for every school aged minor (with Guardian established as custodian) based on most recent census
  • Convene Tax Review Board to detail how basic flat tax and wealth tax will be administered

With this basic foundation in place, the federal government will proceed to eliminate its debt (i.e print/create/transfer money), calculate the initial amount to transfer into citizen HSA’s and ESA’s (i.e. print/create/transfer money), and determine the regulations surrounding what will be required for any entity to access HSA or ESA dollars. Going forward, a flat tax will be imposed on all transactions, a wealth tax will be implemented on our wealthiest, 10% of our GDP will be divided among our citizens in Health and Education Savings accounts, and the tax rate will be that which is necessary to balance the budget of a frugal federal government.

“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” – Benjamin Franklin

Some have termed New Deal 3 a “Debt Jubilee,” as we basically give each citizen a wad of money (depending on age, Social Security payments, expected government pensions, etc) into a Health Savings Account, and then the same amount as other citizens going forward. We give our creditors a wad of money to pay them off, and then refuse to borrow going forward. So be it – call it what you will – a bankruptcy if you have to. But the point is that we put into place a balanced budget requirement on our legislators, a simple tax code on our citizenry, a luxury tax on our wealthiest, and a health and education system that applies to everyone equally, and which, at its core, puts the individual, not the government, as the holder of the currency and determiner of its use.

“Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” – P. J. O’Rourke

As for who should assist Us as we endeavor to travel from bankruptcy to solvency, to help implement this federally funded but privately administered healthcare and education system, all within the confines of a simple tax system and balanced budget, it will most certainly be the best qualified interested patriot who understands what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how they can best use their talents in service to this noble endeavor. I offer the following initial thoughts.

Robert Gates, former Secretary of Defense under Bush and Obama. Sir, I would ask you to be our Chief of Staff. We could use your leadership, your ability to work across party lines, and your expertise in the White House again.

Larry Arnn, current President of Hillsdale College. Sir, I would ask you to be our Secretary of Education. You upheld the legacy of top-knotch private education, led the way in providing K-12 online classes, and we would be blessed to have your experiences and expertise in the White House as we develop the curriculum that will meet the standards required to access Education Savings Accounts dollars.

Mark Meadows, current White House Chief of Staff. Sir, I would ask you to be our Secretary of the Treasury. As we implement a completely new tax code, one that combines the simpleness of the Tea Party plan with the understanding that our wealthiest do need to take on a larger burden than our poorest, America would do well if she could lean on your experiences both in Congress and in the White House during this significant change in our great nation’s history.

Elizabeth Warren, current US Senator. Ma’am, I would ask you to be our Secretary of Labor. You are a well known advocate for the consumer, for the working men and women of our great nation, and we will need your wisdom as we write the regulations which will implement a federally funded universal healthcare system for all our citizenry. Our new course purposefully limits the federal government’s role, but that is not to say that States and local communities cannot develop aid programs – it just will not be done at the federal level. To ensure everyone gets a fair shake in regards to education and an investment of the community into healthcare, we need a leader we can trust has our backs, is out for the success of the common man, and will work tirelessly for the American people. That is you Ma’am.

Mark Levin, current Author and television personality. Sir, I would ask you to be our Vice-President. As we surround the Presidency with politicians intimately familiar with Washington, endeavoring to implement a New Deal, one that limits the federal government to only providing Health and Education accounts to the citizenry, there will be a lot of people trying to derail the plan into one which more favors them. As a major point of New Deal 3 is to change the big money process and endless borrowing we now have, we need someone who is attune to Washington DC but not a part of it… someone who understands why Freedom is the best course, but also has experience enough to see when we are being played… we need someone smart, articulate, and ready to step in if I should pass on. Lastly, we need someone who supports the Convention of States movement, who understands why it is imperative to our future, and who has dedicated himself to instilling our fundamental vision of Freedom back into our nation. Let’s do what we write about.

Rand Paul, current US Senator. Sir, I would ask you to be our Secretary of State. As America moves from arrow to olive branch, as she seeks to embrace a New Deal that re-embraces liberty within and right sizes our military presence outside our borders, all within the confines of a balanced budget, I can think of no greater advocate for what New Deal 3 envisions, no better person to fill the role of our ambassador to the world, than your father… and I can plainly see that, indeed, the apple does not fall far from the tree. Thank you for being a constant advocate for fiscal responsibility in our government, a voice of reason as our nation engaged in undeclared wars, and a man who understands the intricacies of both hard and soft power. America is most certainly in need of your skills and expertise.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead

As for remaining cabinet positions, appointments, and the like, my requirement would be that they are highly qualified, understand what New Deal 3 seeks to accomplish, and support this course for our nation. I would lean on you to help me to put our team together. There, that’s the plan. If elected, if God steps in and provides a miracle this November, that’s what we are going to do in my term. May Freedom Ring, and may God bless the United States of America! 🇺🇸

Yours in Faith.

Happy 244th America! You look Beautiful to me!

Statue of Liberty

“Jefferson Lives!” – John Adams, July 4th, 1826

www.VisionPresident.com

“I agree with you, that in Politics the Middle Way is none at all. If We finally fail in this great and glorious Contest, it will be by bewildering ourselves in groping after this middle Way.” – John Adams

Happy 244th America! You look Beautiful to me!

John Adams letter to General Horatio Gates 1776

https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-04-02-0023

The World’s Best Hope

“I know, indeed, that some honest men fear that a republican government cannot be strong, that this Government is not strong enough; but would the honest patriot, in the full tide of successful experiment, abandon a government which has so far kept us free and firm on the theoretic and visionary fear that this Government, the World’s Best Hope, may by possibility want energy to preserve itself?  I trust not.  I believe this, on the contrary, the strongest Government on Earth.  I believe it the only one where every man, at the call of the law, would fly to the standard of the law, and would meet invasion of the public order as his own personal concern.”  – Thomas Jefferson

                Wait?  Do you believe that honest and good people would treat this country as our Best Hope, understand its beauty, and rise up to defend our Government as if it actually mattered to them personally? 

Yes, for indeed it does.  Ok… Tell me more.

“About to enter, fellow citizens, on the exercise of duties which comprehend everything dear and valuable to you, it is proper you should understand what I deem the essential principles of our Government; and consequently, those which ought to shape its Administration.  I will compress them within the narrowest compass they will bear, stating the general principle, but not all its limitations:

Oh, thank God!  Thanks for compressing the essential principles down to the narrowest sliver possible – because I’m really busy, you know, being Me and all, and hearing what you think takes time.  Instagram gives you 59 seconds, but I really only give you 3.  Hey, perhaps now you should listen to what I think!  Yes, that sounds like a — No?  That’s NOT what you’re saying?  Are you sure?  Because a good President of a Republican government would allow – wait, what is happening, why am I being escorted out?  What?!  Oh… you were going to tell us, in as small a body as possible, the most essential things for us to know

Yes, you need to stop talking in order to hear.     Ok… Tell me more.

Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state of persuasion, religious or political

Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none

Support of the State governments in all their rights – as the most competent administrations for our domestic concerns and the surest bulwarks against anti-republican tendencies

Preservation of the General Government in its whole constitution vigor, as the sheet anchor of our peace at home and safety abroad

A Jealous care of the right of the election by the people

A mild and safe corrective of abuses which are lopped by the sword of revolution where peaceable remedies are unprovided

Absolute acquiescence in the decisions of the majority, the vital principle of republics, from which is no appeal but to Force – the vital principle and immediate parent of Despotism

A well-disciplined militia, our best reliance in peace and for the first moments of war till regulars may relieve them

Supremacy of the Civil over the Military authority

Economy in the public expense, that labor may be lightly burdened

Honest payment of our debts and sacred preservation of the public faith

Encouragement of agriculture and of commerce as its handmaid

The diffusion of information and arraignment of all abuses at the bar of the Public Reason

Freedom of Religion

Freedom of the Press

Freedom of person under the protection of the Habeas Corpus

Trial by impartially selected jury

Wait, so that’s it?  That’s your narrow sliver?  Let me see if I’m hearing this right… We Democratically elect representatives to be in our Republic.  These republican representatives then ensure Government treats all the same, regardless of persuasion, strives to be honest and fair with everyone, submits to the majority under a bar of Public Reason, attempting at its core to be an honest payer of debt, an encourager of commerce so that labor is lightly burdened… Free to think, worship, and say or print things without government intervention and, if and when accused of a crime, given due process of law in front of an impartial jury.  That’s it?!  Wait, do I talk now?  Can I say something? 

No.         Oh yeah, sorry.  Shh… OK, tell me more.

Yes.  That’s it.  I believe the Lord wants us to be good, and that means to strive toward these principles.  In fact, I believe that it is these very principles which form the light that guides us, they are what has brought us here, through this revolution and reformation, to everything that a man can hold dear and valuable – for my brethren, my fellow citizens, it is these principles that have brought this nation, our Nation, to right now

Everything we do must be guided by what is right and just and good.  Everything – the Wisdom of the Sages, the Blood of our Heroes, it is all toward the attainment of that Great Light.  This is our tenant and creed, it is where we meet, and right now is our opportunity to try to pen instruction, give it those upon we decide to trust, and then, if ever we should begin to stray away from them… it is these principles that hasten us to retrace our steps, compel us to regain the footing we once had toward that Great Light, that Political Faith, the path that best leads us to Peace, Liberty, and SafetyThat is what we are doing!  And we cannot walk alone.  As we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall always march ahead. We cannot turn back.

Jake shook his head, savoring the juices of the tobacco, before eyeing his captor.  “It is compelling,” he nodded, “to me anyway.  That’s the problem I keep running into.”  He shook his head harder now, trying yet failing again to remember the Creed.  “Every time,” he averred loudly, frustration now discernible in his tone.  “And we’re just going to keep running into it,” he reflected further, chewing on the truth of it.  “Always,” he pleaded, shaking his head a third time as he spit into a red cup.  Grinning at his captor now, Jake felt a resurgence of energy he hadn’t felt in years.  “That’s the problem you have,” he concluded, smiling fully now.  “The problem you have is that he’s right.”

“Still one thing more, fellow citizens: A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, which shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is necessary to close the circle of our felicities.” – Thomas Jefferson


https://avalon.law.yale.edu/19th_century/jefinau1.asp – Jefferson’s 1st Inaugural Address

Happy Easter! Happy 4/20!

For the first time in our great nation’s history we celebrate Easter Sunday, the first Sunday after the ecclesiastical Full Moon of the Lunar calendar, and then, eight days later, we celebrate the 20th day of the 4th month of the 20th year of the 20th century since we started counting the years of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

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I don’t know about you, but for me, this April 20th feels like the year the Grinch came and tried to ruin our Easter. The Grinch’s name? Wuhan apparently. It’s been a tough year for the Church of Good Trips, COVID being a respiratory illness and all – now if someone harshes out, everyone thinks their life is in danger. So what to do on this April 20th?

“I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty, than to those attending too small a degree of it.” – Thomas Jefferson

I don’t know if you’ve taken the red or blue pill, nor do I profess knowledge on how the Lord wants us to properly celebrate April 20th this year, but I am getting more familiar and comfortable with Zoom calls, and my plan is this:

“In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless; but planning, indispensable.” – Dwight D. Eisenhour

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At 3:33, we will review an update on the Housing Market from Windermere Chief Economist, Matthew Gardner. Then we will open to discuss the Convention of States movement, the COVID pandemic, and our latest efforts. Invited guests include you, Mark Meckler and his team at ConventionofStates.com, Bill Gray and Dr. Larry Arnn from Hillsdale College, and the President of the United States. @PotUs Then, at 4:20, my Pegasus and I are going to go find the treasure. 🏴‍☠️ 😀

@conventionofstates

@hillsdale.edu

@realDonaldTrump

You can join me at zoom.us/j/7237436309

For all of you who are trying to balance the Truth that COVID is real, is here, and is now, with the Truth that we can only be good from here… please know that you are not alone. God loves you, and so do I.

“I think we can agree. The past is over.” – George W. Bush

#ChurchofGoodTrips

The Fighting 49th

“Help us Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re our only hope.” – Princess Leia, Star Wars

Maybe it’s because I watched Star Wars’ Episode 1 last night – “The Phantom Menace.” Maybe listening to Matchbox 20’s “How Far We’ve Come,” or hearing my freshman Congressman speak last weekend, or maybe it was meeting with the Bread of Life Charity and talking about their mission. I’m not sure exactly what, but somethings got me all fired up again.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12

My district (California’s 49th) changed from Red to Blue last election. Mike Levin won a seat in the House after Darrell Issa retired and, as for me, little changed. I still believe that both of them want to do good while they are on this planet, nearly all of our elected officials are trying to be good men, and that’s the God’s honest truth – just not sure where that leaves me. Independent? Reform Party? Just Human?

“Promise me you will train the boy.. He is the chosen one… He will bring balance… Train him. Train him.” – Qui-Gon’s final words to Obi-Wan

Do the Red and Blue battle forever in hopes that one day, after we’ve kicked Evil’s ass all the way to Kingdom come, we will be left with what is best for us? I don’t know, but as I look around, it still feels to me like Darth Maul killed our Master and now we need to carry on. That’s the cross America must bear, We the People are Sovereign.

“Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” – John Adams to Massachusetts Militia, 1798

Hearing my Congressman talk on Saturday about how he felt when taking the oath, knowing that indeed it imprints upon a man – well, it got me thinking again – renewing in me a strong sense of hope, assurance, and confidence that good men will indeed triumph. To all of you flying to DC and back every week, spending Saturday at your 198th House party, conversing with your constituents, meeting with Generals, putting out fires, working for the people around you – I say Thank You Sir.

“Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do.” – Thomas Aquinas

Stressing how America could use a balanced media diet, Congressman Levin relayed a welcome calm to the television’s tension. After a few questions, the tide turned to Trump impeachment, and I didn’t ask anything. On the way out, however, I did get the Congressman’s ear for a moment and relayed my question: “Do people in the House talk about balancing the budget? Or have we all agreed we’re not doing that anymore?”

“The Congress shall have Power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;” – Article 1, Section 8, Constitution of the United States of America

Although Congress is certainly granted the power to borrow money, I wonder whether our founders ever figured that we’d decide one day to assume as much debt as they’ll give us, talk about the good we’re doing with all the money we borrowed, and live as slaves. Weird way for us to die I think, but maybe it is indeed Fate.

“Permit me to issue and control the money of a nation, and I care not who makes its laws.” – Mayer Amschel Rothschild

I still believe the right answer is to reveal what being good looks like, show them why it looks this way, and then charter our leaders to go that direction. We need to pull the heading knob, steer the ship, take control, and be the good People we were created to become. We don’t need to borrow to live – why do we keep believing this lie?

“There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” – Acts 4:34-35

I now see why Communism is so attractive to some, but as for me, I still hear it loud and clear… and uh, he sounds pretty sure of himself when he says it. We were never meant to call government the disciples, give our earnings to them, and create government programs to take care of the least of us. This was never His desire for Us and, because of this, why our current course will never work.

“Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” – Micah 6:2

We can borrow to make it look like it’s working (and we have done plenty of that, even set the interest rates at an artificial low for over a decade so that we could “afford” the exorbitant interest payments we’ve accumulated). In the end though, in our soul, we know that our nation will never thrive by borrowing. We can only change, or die this way.

“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.” – Abraham Lincoln

That’s how I see the Sith Lord now, the Phantom Menace, and why he is so difficult to destroy. He uses your good nature to get you to engage in wars across the globe, borrow more, puff your chest out, beat “them” – all the while happy to lend you more money than your children can ever pay. The Phantom Menace gets you to destroy yourself.

“I believe the world is burning to the ground. Oh well, I guess, we’re gonna find out.”

“In order to be a good person,” he starts softly, “to show a love for your neighbor, to demonstrate that you too want to live in a pleasant world where we value one another, striving to be good and free, kind to all – you agree we are supposed to be good, right?” Forgetting now that he wields a dual bladed light saber, you nod assuredly. Yes, I do think we’re supposed to be good and free.

“Later they sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus to catch him in his words. They came to him and said, ‘Teacher, we know that you are a man of integrity. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are; but you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” – Mark 12:13-14

“And so you agree my good Sir,” the Sith continues, “that our government should do more to help people, good citizens should support programs to aid our struggling neighbors, and what would benefit our community most is to borrow money to build more low income housing, fund the State board of Equalization, you want to be a part of a Great Society, don’t you? Whoever has money gives so we can do this great work, we will borrow as needed to assure all people are cared for, promote government assistance for all as needed. You agree this is best, right?”

“At last we will reveal ourselves to the Jedi. At last we will have revenge.” – Darth Maul to Darth Sidious

Forgetting now that a free market, a free people, and a desire to be good is what is best for society, not understanding that the Sith will use your tithes to build a war machine, support his followers, entrenching his position, you find yourself nodding still, even as he sets out to make your children slaves. After all, you figure incorrectly, if government doesn’t build low income housing, no one will. Forgetting now that Oprah funds orphanages, business CEO’s fly goods to Puerto Rico, and the churches really do care for people, you begin to believe his lie, his fiction, his made up reality that a free market, a free people, and one nation under God doesn’t work, is cruel and heartless even, and we must task our government to do better.

Still one thing more, fellow citizens. A wise and frugal government, which shall restrain men from injuring one another, shall leave them otherwise free to regulate their own pursuits of industry and improvement, and shall not take from the mouth of labor the bread it has earned. This is the sum of good government, and this is what is necessary to close the circle of our felicities.” – Thomas Jefferson

And this is where I go for Jefferson’s light saber, eliminate the Sith’s Apprentice, and agree to train the boy. Question is, train him to become what?

“The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'” – Luke 10:35

To give directly to the Bread of Life Charity, visit www.bolrescue.org

“I believe it all is coming to an end. Oh well, I guess we’re going to pretend.”

Yours in Faith.

#WakemeupatBalancedBudgetConstitutionalAmendment


Not Quite Dead…

“Rumors of my demise have been greatly over-exaggerated.” – Mark Twain

Happy Easter, Happy Labor Day, and God Bless everyone!  After I finished my Opus, I stopped blogging for a bit.  You ever feel like everyone in the room is all thinking you need a break?  Like the best thing in the world is to shut up, sit down, and listen for a while.  Well… it kind of felt like that… and the book is long, so I took a break.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

It’s been awesome!  Just got back from a mission trip to Africa, had a wonderful adventure, and I’m excited to report that, for the first time, the children of Risa, Kenya now have fresh water piped to a 500 gallon water tower!  Thank you Africa Thriving, Cerrone, Pastor Daniel, and all those doing good in the world.  I am most grateful to be home again – got to spend Labor Day teaching my 16 year-old boy how to drive a car around the neighborhood.  Best Labor Day yet!

“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

On my flight home from Africa, I not only got to view the Harry Potter movies for the first time, but was able to catch the newest Avengers movie as well.  As they often do, the fictional movies cause me to ponder our non-fictional world, the 9 realms of Asgard becoming the 9 judges of our Supreme Court, or the 9 wraiths seeking the Ring of Power – depending on how you view them, Us, our political state, and the World…

“The world is changed.  I feel it in the water.  I feel it in the earth.  I smell it in the air…  Much that once was is lost; for none now live who remember it.” – Galadriel to Frodo, Fellowship of the Ring, Lord of the Rings

Maybe it’s nothing, but I do feel that way.  That a generation, our best generation, is slowly but surely boarding the Elvish ships and departing.  A humble salute to John McCain – thank you Sir for your life of service and devotion to our great nation.  But as they depart, I do wonder.  Do the Avengers and Super-Heroes ever win?  Or do we just keep borrowing?

“We cannot forever hide the truth about ourselves, from ourselves.” – John McCain

I felt an urge to start “Vision President” many years ago, and now, as I watch Super Heroes trying to defend “Vision,” fight the never-ending battle for Goodness, prevent the Enemy from winning… for me, I think about this site, what prompted me to start it, and I wonder… what would “Vision” say is the best way for a Society to function?

“So do all men who live to see such times, but that is not for them to decide.  All you have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to you.” – Gandalf to Frodo, Fellowship of the Ring, Lord of the Rings

Whatever your answer, know that I treasure your right to have it.  As for “New Deal 3” manuscript, the 3rd edit is complete, book is back on Amazon, and a charitable donation will be made to “Africa Thriving” for each book sold in September.  Still not sure what all happens in Volume 2, but I’ll keep plugging away.  I’m not quite dead.

“Friends, I shall ask you to be as quiet as possible.  I don’t know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot; but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.   Fortunately I had my manuscript, so you see I was going to make a long speech, and there is a bullet – there is where the bullet went through – and it probably saved me from it going into my heart.  The bullet is in me now, so that I cannot make a very long speech, but I will try my best.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Yours in Faith for a better America and a better World.