1st in a Series by Texas Author Carol Sewell
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN Texas 2012 is finally here and the biggest challenge to American greatness is upon us. For the last three years we have witnessed the steepest decline in the nations culture and identity but the good news is that we have it within us to secure our national greatness. We will however have to rearrange our priorities this year in order to advance our cause. Our first and foremost priority needs to be working to return Americas true identity by making sure we do everything humanly possible to see godly men and women elected at all levels of government.
Hard work coupled with prayer will make the difference.
The Presidential election this year is more important than any other in our history as a nation. If we (conservatives) lose the Presidency Americas greatness will forever be lost abroad and at home. That does not mean that America ceases to be it just means that our influence in the world will be lost:
- Our standard of living will be further diminished; we will be split by class warfare resulting in more strife and chaos.
- Those things that have made America great defender of the oppressed in the world humanitarian of the world a light and example of freedom will also be diminished.
- And because of our moral decay an all-about-me" society and lack of personal responsibility we will have transferred our faith in God to faith and dependence on government.
Society in every state is a blessing but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer or are exposed to the same miseries by a government which we might expect in a country without government our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer.
Notice the last line of his quote. He places the responsibility on We the People" when government becomes intolerable.
When personal responsibility became old fashioned instead of a character quality to be highly valued then voting became more about me" and what politicians could give me". This is the downfall of all societies. Even the church in America barely touches on the importance of taking responsibility for choices we make. We have sat quietly by and allowed people to blame everyone else for their problems without looking inward to see if per chance their own choices were to blame.
We have also lost the concept of hard work" as the result of modern societys emphasis on instant gratification.
We allow the mantra that we need equality in every area to prevail when the Declaration was clearly speaking of equality of opportunity. No one succeeds without a measure of hard work. Those who have climbed up the ladder of success from poverty did so because there was equal opportunity and they had a good strong work ethic. They firmly believed they were responsible for themselves.
The Republican Party was founded on the concepts of personal responsibility limited government (letting people keep more of what they make) respect for life and above all reverence for the Constitution. Over the years these basic precepts have blurred and our elected officials have forgotten (if they ever knew) these foundational principles. Most today do not even have a good understanding of the Constitution.
These things did not happen overnight; rather it has been a slow process of changing the thinking and culture in Washington. Fortunately the TEA Party has brought a resurgence of respect for the Constitution and the need to return to our founding principles.
I have noticed listening to talk radio is that many of us are frustrated with the Republicans in Congress for either what they do or dont do in standing up to the Administration. We are still seeing the same kind of capitulations the Republican leadership has been doing for years.
We were hopeful after the 2010 election that that kind of compromise would end.
It has not. Why? Partly because the fresh new blood infused by the last election do not have the numbers necessary to make a difference. There is also a prevailing and controlling attitude that compels the Republicans to want to be liked by the other side. They have never been able to recognize that the other 
side of the aisle and their media friends will never like them.
To the liberals we are the enemy and it is war. They play to win. Therefore we must recognize that this is an incremental battle.
We cannot expect the situation to turn around overnight. If diligent we will see more conservative Tea Party candidates elected who will add needed numbers to begin to really make a difference. If we purpose to stay engaged we will add new members who share our values with each election cycle until the culture of Congress begins to change.
But it is up to each one of us to responsibly hold those we elect accountable. If my Congressman ceases to represent me no matter how nice he is I will have no problem replacing him.
Their job is to represent us and no one else especially not themselves.
America did not get to this place in history overnight. No our basic principles and values have been whittled away bit by bit without the citizenry even being aware of it. We ceased to be vigilant in watching what Washington D.C. was actually doing and listened only to what they would tell us when they came home and ran for re-election. Therefore we will not turn this around overnight. We need to get a long-term strategy just like the liberal/socialists have done. With a strategy in place coupled with the power of prayer we can stay focused on the goal and not get detracted or distracted.
It seems that time has accelerated. Just think about how quickly technology changes week to week. It is impossible to keep up with it all.
Who would have thought that Obama would be able to accomplish so much of his agenda in his first year and a half? If this President can do that then I am led to believe that with the power of acceleration going on it will be possible to return America back to its roots and begin to grow the economy quicker than we think. Especially if we can also turn the hearts of the people back to God and away from government as god is the key.
This will require something we have not seen - true national repentance.
Thomas Jefferson expressed this sentiment when he said:
And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever. -- Notes on the State of Virginia Query 18 1781
