A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....06-21-05....The American Idea (revisited)

Jwfiv; Billie | jwfiv

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

The American Idea by jwfiv

Always I've carried the memory of standing in our front yard, under the great tree, pondering the just-acquired information that my neighborhood was only a small part of a big, round planet, and there was a place clear over on the other side of it called India, which was full of first-graders just like myself.

---

A typical Grail Castle moment of wonder as
my world enlarged
that afternoon.

The thought I remember so clearly is:

"I could have been
born over there...
but, I'd still be me."

---

I learned that my corner of the globe was called America, and grew up to know that we are a country of free individuals, and the story of America is the tale of a brave and hardy people creating a Nation that embodied an Idea unique in all the history of nations.

That idea being that the individual person is endowed by the Creator with those famous and notorious "certain inalienable rights".

In the New World, it is the common man and woman who rule by Divine Right, not the king, emperor, priest, pharaoh or caliph, as in the Old World.

Holy smokes, what a grand thought... how reckless and bold and daring, yet how grounded in a faith in the worth and goodness of Man.

This revolutionary American Idea means that to be an American is to be guaranteed the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and to understand that all people have the same right.....
all, everywhere.

From the first colonies, on through nationhood, Americans were from the European ethos, with its history and tradition of conquest and empire. This being a way not just of Europe, but most all of Man gone before.

For the Nation to be true to our Founding Idea, the Cornerstone of that City on the Hill, our task has been to honor and carry with us the best of the inherited culture, but also to unlearn the lessons and discard the ways of our forebears when they conflicted with our own charter.

The American ethos is a tradition and history of freedom and opportunity for every citizen...we don't colonize but liberate, and share, as best we can, not just wealth and comfort, gadgets and cheeseburgers, but, the Idea, so that all people in all nations may know their own inalienable rights, and be empowered to pursue their own destiny.

Of course, not all soil is good soil, and the Seed of Freedom will sometimes not take hold and flower unless the ground is turned over, and over, and over. It is said the Tree of Liberty is watered with the blood of patriots.

The generations must pass before this unlearning of the Old World's ways can be accomplished. This is so for us, as well as others, but, as Americans, we have a head start..

---

Three world wars, two very hot and one cold but no less dark and bloody, were waged in the 20th Century and the American Idea has proven triumphant beyond anyone's hope or vision, save a few optimists and visionaries, the beloved Ronaldus Magnus chief amongst them.

---

Another generation brings us to now, today, as the world turns over again before our eyes.

America finds itself in a war for survival, not just of our Nation, but of the Idea.

The Old Ways of Man can sense, and they bitterly resent, the global spread of Liberty, American-style, so they rear their tails, like scorpions, to strike our lives and poison our faith in That which sustains, inspires and transforms the world.

With this war on terror now upon us, we have a President who chooses to stand and meet the challenge.

The American Military wrote a new chapter in the history of warfare with its campaign to crush the Taliban and free the people of Afghanistan, and in the year since has been tracking and killing and caging their terrorist kin all over the world.

The President may soon again send our boys and girls and men and women in uniform into fierce battle...an imperative, as he knows the scorpions intend to strike a blow more crippling than September 11.

I believe this weighs heavy upon our Commander-In-Chief¹s caring heart.

No one devoted to the Idea will be glad at the necessity of war. But, in the tradition of the reluctant warrior, leader, prophet or ring-bearer, the task is given him, and he rises to meet it.

As the President said, we wage war not to conquer, but to liberate ourselves and our allies from the threat of death and destruction. In turn, this will bring liberation to the people of those threatening nations now ruled by the despotic and insane elites devoted to the Old Ways.

Our necessary battle is to keep our people safe and free, to free the people now in bondage...and, to keep the Idea bright and alive and available to all the world, so that, just like that American kid wondering under the great tree long ago, first-graders everywhere may be guaranteed the right to be whoever they are, whoever they want to become.

May God always bless America, and keep our President and troops and all our people safe from harm, and victorious in war.

(And, personally, may I add: I'm damn grateful for the American Idea...Thank You, Lord.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



From St. Matthew, Chapter 7:

Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men
gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit;
but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit,
neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit
is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.




~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank you, JWFIV!
An outstanding, from-the-heart essay!
MORE! MORE!

---

Photo credits to Diogenesis and his "Gotta See This" threads for the following photos:

1. the children in the classroom;
2. President Bush and Condoleeza Rice;
3. the little girl above with the baseball glove

03-29-05 ~ Hall of Fame #11

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 06-20-05 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[Billie]

[Billie]

Good morning! I reached back 2 1/2 years ago for today's thread. Some of you read it then, but I think you will enjoy reading it again. I certainly did. jwfiv paints a beautiful picture with his words!

[Billie]

Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to

Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Aquamarine; The Mayor; DollyCali,
and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

gator girl........................husband severa............husband, brother Maigrey............................cousin mystery-ak.............son, husband Gogrammy...................grandson Inspectorette.......................son Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew anniegetyourgun...........nephew Diver Dave.......niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin............niece's husband sneakers..............................son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon.............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law BeforeISleep...................son kimmie7......................brother Armymarinemom............3 sons american_ranger.............son LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew Dubya............................nephew ValerieUSA....................2 sons Lakeside........................2 sons LakeLady......................nephew Spruce.........................daughter Leofl......................................son chena......................................son Philman_36..............2 nephews bjcintennessee.......son, niece TheMayor...............friends'son homeschoolmama...........nephew mhking.........................cousin eaglesiniowa.....................son visualops..........................cousin auboy.............................cousin Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend Katydidnt.............................son MontanaCowgirlCop.......brother Colorado Slim................nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews Alouette................................son Q6-God...................twin brother Q6-God.....................active duty Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells....................active duty LongCut....................active duty cjk...........................active duty Trish.........................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty AF_Blue...................active duty Notwithstanding.......active duty thumperusn..............active duty Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx...................active duty Old Sarge.................active duty CGblue.....................active duty bigghurtt...................active duty frankiep....................active duty

scubachick.....................husband OhioWfan................................son ladtx..................................2 sons Its_me_K.E.T.........................son Hostel............................cousin MozartLover...........son, nephew LBGA (RIP)..........................son katykelly..............................son cookcounty.............................son SpookBrat........................nephew SpookBrat........................cousin Doug from Upland............soninlaw Himyar....................................son boxerblues........................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza................................husband kemathen7.........................husband Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend deadhead.............................cousin JimRobinson...............2 nephews TexKat.......................son, step-son StarCMC.............................brother Consort........................2 daughters Consort.......................son-in-law Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew dixie sass........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons kneezles.................................son RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew Atomic Conspiracy..............niece Sunflowergal....................grandson mrstank..............................husband MrsMike31........................husband spotbust1............................husband campfollower............................fiance LUV W........................................son painter...................................nephew ProudAFDad...................................son Misty4jc................................husband Bykrbayb........................................son Hope and Glory.........................son ak_daddoo..............................nephew SilentServiceCPOWife........husband Walkenfree................2 grandsons Walkenfree.................. 3 nephews Walkenfree..................granddaughter ariamne.........................2 cousins Zechariah_8_13.......brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.......................cousin DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law nelibeli...................................nephew Skimask.....................................son El Gato...............................nephew Palladin...............................grandson MississippyMuddy...................sister MississippyMuddy.....2 nephews Kramster...............................stepson gonzo.........................friend's son Socratic.............................nephew jkphoto...............................nephew

[Billie]

Have company and am sorry I can't be here very much today, but will try to get back again before the day's over.

jwfiv, I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading your essay again - PLEASE write another one for us!

[GailA]

Good morning ALL

[DollyCali]

Pinging to a great, inspirational thread... with all the rough waters politically, it is wonderful to immerse your heart in these thoughts

What a beautiful thread and even though it is a "retread" I will bet a good portion of the folks who visit today, have not seen it before.. Lovely presentation Billie and wonderful words from your soul Jwfiv..

Thank you both. I too have a very busy day with several fires to put out....maybe be back Later, will email this to some of my folks Billie during next "break"

[TBarnett34]

G'morning! Thanks for the ping Dolly, it was most definitely worth the read!

[WVNan]

Billie, I think I must have missed this one the first time around. I was sitting here with tears in my eyes thinking, "This is one of the best threads I've seen."

jw, you touched a very deep emotion in my heart, indeed, I'm sure in everyone's heart. God bless.

[dutchess]

All I can say is WOW. I don't remember this thread at all so am so glad for a "repeat". Beautiful words and beautiful presentation. Thank you!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Good Morning Billie!

Thanks for reaching back and posting it again!

Wonderful read!

[jwfiv]

Thank you, Miss Billie ... dutchess, Nan and Dolly.

I'd forgotten all about this one, too ... it was like reading someone else's words except for a few hints that they were mine.

All these many months later, they still ring true and my faith in that Idea is unshaken.

The Lord does bless America, land of the free, home of the brave.

[Aquamarine]

Very well written from the heart, and perfectly illustrated.
Enjoyed reading it again today.

Have been overdoing it with outside work lately so am going to take a day off and hopefully get some rest.
Hope everyone has a lovely day.

[dixie sass]

Hi Billie - great graphics. You like Anne Geddes?

[dixie sass]

Great essay!!!!!! Thinking...

[dixie sass]

I missed it the first time around also, Cuz. It is a well written descriptive essay and it makes you stop and think. So much is running around in this pea called a brain. Trying to put it in words is hard.

[The Mayor]

June 21, 2005

Better Than Your Best

Read:
Colossians 1:19-29

I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. —Colossians 1:29

Bible In One Year: 1 Kings 20-22

When John became a salesman in a well-known insurance company years ago, his aim was to work effectively in his firm without compromising his Christian integrity. But there were those who considered him naive. In their view, one could possess either job security or Christian integrity—not both.

But John did not waver in his commitment to be a godly witness in the business world. Although he was in a job that required accurate calculations, he had a weakness when it came to simple arithmetic. This forced him to depend more on Christ in everything, which enhanced his witness.

John eventually became the company's top salesman, and God used him to win many colleagues to Christ. Later, as a branch manager, John and his team became the company's largest branch worldwide—all without compromising Christian integrity.

Are you striving to live and work without compromise in a tough place? Are you doing your best, but your best is not enough? Colossians 1:29 reminds us that dependence on God's mighty power within us is what makes us effective. John, the businessman, summed it up like this: "God helps me do better than I can!"

He will do the same for you. —Joanie Yoder

Savior, let me walk beside Thee,
Let me feel my hand in Thine;
Let me know the joy of walking
In Thy strength and not in mine. —Sidebotham

Boast not in what you do for Christ, but in what Christ does for you.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

050618-N-8154G-091 Atlantic Ocean (June 18, 2005) - An MV-22 Osprey, assigned to Marine Tiltrotor Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Two (VMX-22), takes off from the flight deck of the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5). VMX-22 is conducting the final operational test phase of the tiltrotor aircraft. The MV-22 is an advanced technology, vertical/short takeoff and landing (VSTOL) multipurpose tactical aircraft, and is scheduled to replace aging CH-46E Sea Knight and CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters currently in service. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Jeremy L. Grisham (RELEASED)

050429-O-0000X-001 Gulf of Mexico (April 29, 2005) – The U.S. Navy’s newest amphibious ship, pre commissioning unit San Antonio (LPD 17), underway in the Gulf of Mexico for the first time during her initial at-sea testing. San Antonio returned to Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Pascagoula shipyard on May 3, 2005 for resumption of dockside pre-delivery testing and crew training. Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman Ship Systems (RELEASED)

050618-N-4658L-045 Santa Rita, Guam (June 18, 2005) - The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) underway near Orote Point, which marks the entrance to Apra Harbor, Guam. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is visiting Naval base Guam for a scheduled port visit. Nimitz is currently on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mae 2nd Class Mark Allen Leonesio (RELEASED)

[Temple Owl]

Thank ypou. I was just saying that you don't bring me flowers anymore.

[Billie]

Good afternoon, Gail. Hope the job is going well - miss seeing you now that you're back working fulltime again.

[Billie]

Thank you, Dolly. I didn't think you had read this before; we love how so many of our regulars express themselves, and jw always has put a warm smile on our faces with his posts, so a whole essay written by him was really a treat!