'The One' is My Shepherd, I Shall Not Want'

27 October, 2008 | joanie-f

[joanie-f]

Alexis de Tocqueville wrote, in ‘Democracy in America’:

[The principle of equality prepares men for government that] covers the surface of society with a network of small complicated rules, minute and uniform, through which the most original minds and the most energetic character cannot penetrate, to rise above the crowd. The will of man is not shattered, but softened, bent and guided … Such a power … stupefies a people, till each nation is reduced to nothing better than a flock of timid and industrious animals, of which the government is the shepherd ...

One week and one day from today it appears that the people of America may elect Barack Hussein Obama President of the United States and leader of the free world. They may also be electing to the Senate and the House of Representatives a majority – perhaps even a filibuster-proof majority – of democrats from Obama’s own party.

Congress’s approval rating sits at nine percent, and yet the voters will be voting for ‘more of the same’. Why? Because their particular senator and/or congressman brings home the local bacon. Yet they resent the other 530+ ‘leaders’ who sit on the Hill and do exactly the same for their respective constituencies.

Such is the mindset of the citizenry of America 2008: What’s in it for me? and Don’t bother me with the particulars.

In past elections, whatever the make-up of the ‘leadership’ in Washington, and whatever the make-up of those who placed them in office, there was always reason for hope that America would rise above mistakes made, or errors in judgment ... next time ‘round.

I do not believe such is the case this time. An Obama election, and a democrat majority in congress, will ensure a permanent left lock on power for the remainder of America's existence. They have seen to it, by directing a left-leaning path for the past fifty years. We are on the brink of closing the door behind us, making impossible any return to conservative leadership.

Barack Obama is an inexperienced 'leader', with no record of meaningful accomplishments, and dangerous delusions of grandeur -- a self-serving ideologue whose mentors and associates embrace anything but what is best for America.

Many of them serve a Marxist god.

Most of them speak more ill of, than praise for, our republic.

Most of them despise the capitalist system and the free market.

Some of them despise the white race.

Most of them place little value on human life – those born, and those as yet unborn -- except to the degree that it can advance their ideology.

Most of them hold our Constitution in utter disdain and seek to declare its irrelevance with every stroke of their arrogant pens.

Most of them believe themselves to be members of a chosen elite, who possess the right to author oppressive laws that apply to the common man, but from which they are exempt.

Most of them believe that the right to own personal property, and the right to save the fruits of one’s labor, are gifts bestowed by the state, and they can freely be taken away, or redistributed, at the whim of the ruling class.

Most of them do not believe in the citizen’s right to defend himself.

Most of them believe that success is not achieved through hard work and personal industry, but rather through a government-authored and enforced state of ‘equality’.

Most of them believe that personal responsibility is an intolerant concept, and that we all must share the negative consequences of, and pay the price for, the foolish, frivolous, or self-serving actions of others.

Most of them believe that our children are wards of the state, and that parents must look to the state for child-rearing guidance, or answer to the courts.

Most of them believe in a borderless world in which the concepts of national identity, national sovereignty, and national pride are irrelevant.

Most of them consider a lie, or the breaking of a law, even more worthwhile than the truth, or obedience to law, if the end suits their purposes.

Most of them hold that a belief in God, and Biblical morality, serve merely as a roadblock on the pathway to self-realization.

What have these leftist ‘leaders’ – in politics, academia, and the media -- achieved over the past few decades, which will ensure their political pre-eminence, effectively rendering their power coalitions omnipotent, from this time forward?

• They have succeeded in diluting the perspective of the American populace to the extent that those who revere and appreciate our proud heritage, and, even more importantly, those who are able to define, and willing to defend, its precepts represent a minority of the population.

• They have done so primarily by indoctrinating two generations of American children into believing that they are ‘citizens of the world’, and have neglected to teach them the proud underpinnings that have kept their homeland afloat for more than two prosperous centuries. They are premeditatedly robbing us of our precious national identity.

• They have also convinced American parents that parenthood can be accomplished through absence, and through a refocusing on ‘self’. Most of today’s parents have little sense of civic duty; nor do they attempt to instill such in their children.

• They have succeeded in transforming the most effective healthcare system in the history of mankind into a bureaucratic monstrosity, teetering on the brink of disaster. Through the demonization of, and the imposition of monumental regulations on, the healthcare industry itself, the insurance industry, and the drug industry – and by allowing tort law free reign to file all manner of expensive frivolous lawsuits – they have premeditatedly driven up the cost of healthcare to the point where that care has diminished in effectiveness, and America may soon have no choice but to turn to the government for assistance. When complete socialization of the American healthcare system is instituted, they will have achieved their power-hungry goal, and significantly more Americans will receive inferior care, or die unnecessarily.

• They have succeeded in circumventing the Constitution to the point where the most magnificent blueprint for governance ever conceived by the mind of man has now been officially declared all but irrelevant. The nationalization of private enterprise, the using of hundreds of billions of dollars of public monies in order to bail out both private enterprise and citizens in financial difficulty, are but two of the most recent grotesque examples of blatantly unconstitutional law that enters into the books without so much as a question as to their obvious unconstitutionality.

• They have succeeded in filtering the goings-on in Washington, and around the world, so that, in the majority of media outlets, only those events that elevate the leftist ideology, are reported to the populace. The media have effectively become a podium for leftist propaganda. Those who attempt to expose the arrogant bias are either silenced or ridiculed. Censorship and character assassination are commonplace tactics in the media's leftist handbook.

• They have succeeded in turning military victories into defeats, both literally and figuratively – by retreating when victory could have been won, or by labeling a victory as a defeat, and appealing to their media cohorts to get out the word that such is the case. They have done so, often by portraying the American military as brutal oppressors, while at the same time refusing to report the extent of the genuine brutality of the enemy – by refusing to acknowledge the American military’s progress and relatively ‘moral’ wartime behavior, and incessantly focusing instead on minor defeats and the infinitesimal percentage of personnel gone awry – and by consistently attributing false or evil motives as America’s reasons for engaging, whether those negative motives are true or not. In short, leftists have consistently undercut America’s military, at the same time that our young men and women are placing themselves in harm’s way.

• They have sought to fill our courts with left-leaning judges who, by definition, seek to place their personal political convictions above the dictates of the Constitution. As a result, legislating from the bench, and adjudicating in conflict with Constitutional boundaries, have become the rule of the day. Soon Americans, severely constrained by unconstitutional laws, will have nowhere to turn to appeal for Constitutional justice.

• They have usurped gargantuan power for the state, handcuffed industry, made America increasingly energy-dependent on those who seek our annihilation, and taken away many of our personal freedoms, in the name of the hoax known as ‘global warming’. Our ability to provide our own reliable energy sources has been severely handicapped to the point where our very survival is at stake

• They have penetrated and perverted ‘the system’ to the extent that the vote of the ‘average American’ can effectively be cancelled out by votes obtained in a fraudulent manner. They have burdened ‘the system’ with fraud to the point where ‘the system’ cannot effectively weed out the deceivers – thus ensuring that an honest election will never occur again.

• They have cast aside the sanctity of life, and the recognition that it is God-given, in deference to the worship of self.

The power of special interests has expanded to the point where the power of the people pales in comparison. The recent actions taken by both the administration and congress in an effort to confront the looming financial meltdown were taken (1) in opposition to overwhelming public sentiment, and (2) in order to place the gargantuan bill, aimed at least in part to bail out ‘friends of congress’, on the shoulders of the American citizen (and his children). And the left played an enormous role in both the cause of the meltdown, and its proposed ‘solutions’.

Like the bailout legislation, countless other laws are passed each year (the majority of them, I suspect), not with the benefit of the American people in mind, but with either the furtherance of a political agenda, or ‘payback for political favors done’, as their intent.

America is being overrun with illegal invaders crossing our southern borders. Our ‘leadership’ in Washington is doing nothing about the invasion. Our mainstream media is keeping a tight lid on the rising cost of that invasion – ‘cost’ in terms of taxpayer dollars, violence on the streets of our cities, frequent injuries and deaths incurred by our Border Patrol agents, and the infiltration every year into our society of millions of people who bear no allegiance to our republic, a sub-group of which seeks to annex a portion of our nation for themselves. They are dramatically altering the very fabric of our society. And our ‘leaders’ continue to pander to them, at our expense. Illegal aliens cannot vote (yet), but their American-born offspring can. And these children will vote for the party that keeps the entitlement pipeline flowing.

Much of the above, and much more, has been the result of the decades-long infiltration of heavy-handed, left-leaning ideology into our schools, our media, and our ‘leadership’ in Washington.

But there have always been those who sought to keep our left-ward movement from becoming an unstoppable march: (1) There were patriots in congress who sought to keep the socialists in check; (2) There were media decision-makers intent on retaining a sense of fairness in their reporting; (3) And, above all, there were a majority of the citizenry who saw it as their civic duty to be well-informed, to know the real backgrounds and agendas of the candidates, and to weigh those considerations against the most powerful one: what is best for America (as defined by the Constitution).

None of the above three conditions exist anymore -- not to the degree that they must, in order to succeed in holding back the march toward the total tyranny of the left.

If Barack Obama ascends to the presidency, the chipping away at our republic's foundations represented by all of the above conditions will increase ... in both intensity and speed. And our enemies will be emboldened because a novice (and an anti-American novice at that) will be serving as America's Commander-in-Chief.

Americans want change. And change they will get. It will not necessarily be a change in direction, but a change in the speed with which we achieve the destination so carefully laid out by our ruling elite. They have been patiently working for decades, but their patience is wearing thin, and their foot is on the accelerator. We have already witnessed the shifting of gears, in our leadership's lightning-fast unconstitutional response to their self-created economic meltdown.

Those in power will become ever more arrogant about their desires to achieve a United Socialist States of America. The socialist steamroller will be moving us toward the dark abyss at break-neck speed, and standing in its way will prove hazardous to your health.

Hang on. We’re about to embark on a dizzying national nightmare.

~ joanie
Allegiance and Duty Betrayed

[joanie-f]

So many others are waiting to be sheared and happy about it. What a rude awakening that will be, if the shearer takes office.

Sadly so.

[21twelve]

In Sunday School we were talking about Psalm 23 with the kids. I need to discuss it in more detail with my own older children. But I was thinking how much that I needed to hear these comforting words - and how the children probably have NO sense of the danger and evil that the world can bring. And especially with a person like Obama running a close race. But - I keep praying that God will not allow our country to reap the punishment that it probably deserves, but will again spare us and deliver us.

But, regardless of whatever happens, He will be there for us. The True Shepherd. And we can sing this psalm even as we walk through the dark shadows of the Valley.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.

4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

[joanie-f]

What a beautiful testimony you provided, 21twelve!

You know, the 23rd Psalm is probably one of the first complete chapters of the Bible that a child learns and commits to memory. So we adults tend to somehow 'overlook' it, in search of scripture that is more 'deep' or 'profound'. Yet it is both, in the depth and breadth of comfort and promise it provides. Sometimes the simplest words impart the most meaningful messages.

I placed a very small framed calligraphy copy of the 23rd Psalm on the wall of my office at work about fifteen years ago. Since I am a government official, I suspected that I might someday be asked to take it home. That has not happened yet, and, at the same time, many a person has come into my office, and that small framed piece of scripture has served as the catalyst for a meaningful conversation -- not always faith-related, but somehow uplifting.

It still hangs there, fifteen years later, awaiting the day that someone deems it 'inappropriate'.

I keep praying that God will not allow our country to reap the punishment that it probably deserves, but will again spare us and deliver us.

Thank you for that. I can't help but wonder whether such a 'punishment' might prove to be just the kind of 'cleansing' experience we may need in order to turn our eyes back toward Him. However His will unfolds, we would all do well to reflect on your faithful admonition: Regardless of whatever happens, He will be there for us.

Thank you, 21twelve, and the best to you and yours in these troubling times.

~ joanie

[21twelve]

Your reply reminded me of a meeting I had a few years ago where some Chinese folks were talking about the underground church in China and how it was such a miracle and flourishing. They said that the increase in faith was so great and powerful. And that they prayed that American Christians would be persecuted so that OUR faith would increase.

After they gave their talk and we were milling about I went up to one of the speakers and thanked him for his wonderful description of the active faith of the believers in China, and added, “But, if ya don’t mind - can ya quit praying for us!?”

[brityank]

Masterful essay on our State of The Nation, Joanie -- thank you.

I jumped in here to pass along a link for the CD of that Bezmenov interview available for $20 (or less) at Deception Was My Job -- The Testimony of Yuri Bezmenov, KGB Propagandist ^ -- Interviewed by G. Edward Griffin.

Mr. Bezmenov tells how the Soviets used propaganda against their own citizens; how he hoodwinked American journalists into publishing Soviet propaganda, how slave laborers are concealed from foreign visitors, and how he escaped to the West posing as an American hippie. Includes many photographs brought with him on microfilm at the time of his escape.

• Part 1: Life under Soviet Collectivism
• Part 2: Propaganda and Mind Control
• Part 3: Cultural Subversion and Escape
The original 1985 release of this program was entitled Soviet Subversion of the Free-World Press. It provides insights to state propaganda that is as current as today's newspaper. 90 minutes, DVD.

It really is chilling to see how prescient that interview was. Best wishes to you both, and God bless and protect us all in the days ahead.

[joanie-f]

Thanks for the very kind words, brityank.

And thank you so much for the link to the DVD! What a damning exposé this piece is on the power and arrogance of the modern media. I was transfixed when I first viewed it -- it's as if Bezmenov were transported forward twenty-three years and serving as a modern commentator on the state of the media.

Best to you and yours, brityank, in these troubling times ...

~ joanie

[joanie-f]

“But, if ya don’t mind - can ya quit praying for us!?”

ROTFLOL!

[hosepipe]

Psalm 23 goes expressly with John ch 10...
After escaping the sheep pens the pasture beckons..
AND the flock awaits..

[Skooz]

bump

[hosepipe]

[ Thank you for that. I can't help but wonder whether such a 'punishment' might prove to be just the kind of 'cleansing' experience we may need in order to turn our eyes back toward Him. ]

I fear that at least one large American city getting nuked awaits us.. I hope I'm wrong but the shock just may get some peoples attention.. could take more than one..

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you oh so very much for sharing your testimony and that beautiful Scripture!

But - I keep praying that God will not allow our country to reap the punishment that it probably deserves, but will again spare us and deliver us.

I join in your prayer for our country.

And I am certain whatever happens will be according to God's will.

Maranatha, Jesus!!!

[Alamo-Girl]

Thank you oh so very much for sharing your testimony, dear sister in Christ!

I'm very glad to hear that you keep the 23^rd Psalm on display despite the current attitude about such things!

So we adults tend to somehow 'overlook' it, in search of scripture that is more 'deep' or 'profound'. Yet it is both, in the depth and breadth of comfort and promise it provides. Sometimes the simplest words impart the most meaningful messages.

I agree. The first phrase assures us that because the Lord is our Shepherd, we will have everything that we need.

And the "valley of the shadow of death" gives us the perspective that it is only a shadow.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. - John 5:24

I also find it significant that the 22^nd Psalm which speaks to the crucifixion immediately precedes those assurances. Those who seek Scriptures which are more profound, need only turn the page back and read the two Psalms together.

Maranatha, Jesus!!!

[joanie-f]

I fear that at least one large American city getting nuked awaits us.. I hope I'm wrong but the shock just may get some peoples attention.. could take more than one..

I sadly agree.

~ joanie

[joanie-f]

How awesome Jesus’ words on the cross were, proclaiming His fulfillment of God's purpose … bringing into reality David’s first verse of Psalm 22, written a thousand years earlier!

And then, to be followed by the most comforting assurances of Psalm 23 … even in these terribly troubling times, how can we lose hope, knowing that His death was foretold, He died for us, and His promise is eternal!

I also find it significant that the 22nd Psalm which speaks to the crucifixion immediately precedes those assurances. Those who seek Scriptures which are more profound, need only turn the page back and read the two Psalms together.

How beautifully said! Thank you for reminding us of the magnificent connection between Psalms 22 and 23, dear sister. I challenge anyone to find another example of the written word whose depth and breadth and timelessness can compare!

~ joanie

[Alamo-Girl]

How awesome Jesus’ words on the cross were, proclaiming His fulfillment of God's purpose … bringing into reality David’s first verse of Psalm 22, written a thousand years earlier!

And then, to be followed by the most comforting assurances of Psalm 23 … even in these terribly troubling times, how can we lose hope, knowing that His death was foretold, He died for us, and His promise is eternal!

Amen!

Thank you oh so very much for sharing your insights, dear sister in Christ, and thank you for your encouragements!