Sign the The Mount Vernon Statement
Constitutional Conservatism: A Statement for the 21st Century
We recommit ourselves to the ideas of the American Founding. Through the Constitution, the Founders created an enduring framework of limited government based on the rule of law. They sought to secure national independence, provide for economic opportunity, establish true religious liberty and maintain a flourishing society of republican self-government.
These principles define us as a country and inspire us as a people. They are responsible for a prosperous, just nation unlike any other in the world. They are our highest achievements, serving not only as powerful beacons to all who strive for freedom and seek self-government, but as warnings to tyrants and despots everywhere.
Each one of these founding ideas is presently under sustained attack. In recent decades, America’s principles have been undermined and redefined in our culture, our universities and our politics. The selfevident truths of 1776 have been supplanted by the notion that no such truths exist. The federal government today ignores the limits of the Constitution, which is increasingly dismissed as obsolete and irrelevant.
Some insist that America must change, cast off the old and put on the new. But where would this lead — forward or backward, up or down? Isn’t this idea of change an empty promise or even a dangerous deception?
The change we urgently need, a change consistent with the American ideal, is not movement away from but toward our founding principles. At this important time, we need a restatement of Constitutional conservatism grounded in the priceless principle of ordered liberty articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.
The conservatism of the Declaration asserts self-evident truths based on the laws of nature and nature’s God. It defends life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It traces authority to the consent of the governed. It recognizes man’s self-interest but also his capacity for virtue.
The conservatism of the Constitution limits government’s powers but ensures that government performs its proper job effectively. It refines popular will through the filter of representation. It provides checks and balances through the several branches of government and a federal republic.
A Constitutional conservatism unites all conservatives through the natural fusion provided by American principles. It reminds economic conservatives that morality is essential to limited government, social conservatives that unlimited government is a threat to moral self-government, and national security conservatives that energetic but responsible government is the key to America’s safety and leadership role in the world.
A Constitutional conservatism based on first principles provides the framework for a consistent and meaningful policy agenda.
» It applies the principle of limited government based on the
rule of law to every proposal.
» It honors the central place of individual liberty in American
politics and life.
» It encourages free enterprise, the individual entrepreneur, and
economic reforms grounded in market solutions.
» It supports America’s national interest in advancing freedom
and opposing tyranny in the world and prudently considers what we can and should do to that
end.
» It informs conservatism’s firm defense of family, neighborhood,
community, and faith.
If we are to succeed in the critical political and policy battles ahead, we must be certain of our purpose.
We must begin by retaking and resolutely defending the high ground of America’s founding principles.
February 17, 2010
Edwin Meese, former U.S. Attorney General under President Reagan
Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America
Edwin Feulner, Jr., president of the Heritage Foundation
Lee Edwards, Distinguished Fellow in Conservative Thought at the Heritage Foundation, was present at the Sharon Statement signing.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council
Becky Norton Dunlop, president of the Council for National Policy
Brent Bozell, president of the Media Research Center
Alfred Regnery, publisher of the American Spectator
David Keene, president of the American Conservative Union
David McIntosh, co-founder of the Federalist Society
T. Kenneth Cribb, former domestic policy adviser to President Reagan
Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform
William Wilson, President, Americans for Limited Government
Elaine Donnelly, Center for Military Readiness
Richard Viguerie, Chairman, ConservativeHQ.com
Kenneth Blackwell, Coalition for a Conservative Majority
Colin Hanna, President, Let Freedom Ring
Kathryn J. Lopez, National Review
© 2010 The Mount Vernon Statement is Proudly Powered By WordPress Theme by The Cloisters
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Lord, With Glowing Heart I'd Praise Thee
LORD, WITH GLOWING HEART I’D PRAISE THEE
by Francis Scott Key
Lord, with glowing heart I’d praise Thee
For the bliss Thy love bestows,
For the pard’ning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows:
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.
Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wand’rer, far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away:
Praise with love’s devoutest feeling,
Him who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.
Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee,
Bade thee look to Him and live:
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee,
Roused thee from thy fatal ease,
Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.
Lord, this bosom’s ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express:
Low before Thy footstool kneeling,
Deign thy suppliant’s pray’r to bless:
Let Thy love, my soul’s chief treasure,
Love’s pure flame within me raise;
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth Thy praise. Amen.
(To the tune "Faben," composed by John H. Wilcox in 1849)
The Presbyterian Hymnal (Richmond Presbyterian Committee of Publication, 1949), #315. The meter is 8.7.8.7. doubled.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Job 19:25
by Francis Scott Key
Lord, with glowing heart I’d praise Thee
For the bliss Thy love bestows,
For the pard’ning grace that saves me,
And the peace that from it flows:
Help, O God, my weak endeavor;
This dull soul to rapture raise;
Thou must light the flame, or never
Can my love be warmed to praise.
Praise, my soul, the God that sought thee,
Wretched wand’rer, far astray;
Found thee lost, and kindly brought thee
From the paths of death away:
Praise with love’s devoutest feeling,
Him who saw thy guilt-born fear,
And, the light of hope revealing,
Bade the blood-stained cross appear.
Praise thy Saviour God that drew thee
To that cross, new life to give,
Held a blood-sealed pardon to thee,
Bade thee look to Him and live:
Praise the grace whose threats alarmed thee,
Roused thee from thy fatal ease,
Praise the grace whose promise warmed thee,
Praise the grace that whispered peace.
Lord, this bosom’s ardent feeling
Vainly would my lips express:
Low before Thy footstool kneeling,
Deign thy suppliant’s pray’r to bless:
Let Thy love, my soul’s chief treasure,
Love’s pure flame within me raise;
And, since words can never measure,
Let my life show forth Thy praise. Amen.
(To the tune "Faben," composed by John H. Wilcox in 1849)
The Presbyterian Hymnal (Richmond Presbyterian Committee of Publication, 1949), #315. The meter is 8.7.8.7. doubled.
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
Job 19:25
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Authors Chat - Conversations w/New&Fav Authors
http://aprilboyer.com/AuthorChat.shtml
"Godly Minds, Bold Hearts" is a well-researched, thoughtful and provocative book. It is a book for today; a book to reassure those struggling for their beliefs and patriotism. Portraying colonial America and its stand against tyranny, it offers insight into the life stories of important men and women who were loyal first to God. It is wonderfully human, containing profiles of many of our founding fathers. " ~April Boyer
"The seed for the book idea came about when I heard someone say that America was not a Christian country. I knew full well that most of our citizens consider themselves to be Christian and that we descended from Puritans so it got me to do some research on our founders and their beliefs. The Declaration of Independence itself mentions our Creator so I started from there and its signers' biographies. I found so much to show that all of them were Christians and/or approved the merits of Christianity in forming a country so I documented a lot of their quotes and actions. Facts are hard to argue with."
"How do you rate the condition of our country, and do you believe God can turn it around?
Knowing that the White House views the Constitution as a restraint and watching as the fiber and fabric of our nation day by day is being attacked and torn apart, I believe our country is about to lose itself. We are in danger of losing our sovereignty, and I hope enough of us have the foresight and courage to fight back. I'd like to see the nation as a whole under the informal leadership of those like Sarah Palin and John Hagee declare a national day of prayer and fasting.
One world government and economy is foreseen and told about in the Bible. Based on that and on the way Obama is destroying Capitalism in the U.S. and also on how so many leftists view us simply as citizens of the world, I figure that predicted scenario is where our timeline is now headed. I also believe the Rapture is just around the corner.
How long have you been writing?
I didn't start writing for others until about 2002. I started with a Christian website for the purpose of praising God and for sharing God's wonders with others who might visit.
How did you become aware that this was something you needed to do and could succeed at?
I found through the website just how much I could learn and regurgitate in my own way, and I became more aware of the details in God's science & what He's given us. In developing a renewed fear of Him and His great power, I felt as though I was doing something special in concentration on the wonders of His mystery.
And how did you know it is God's will for you?
A good motto to live by is 'In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.' He has afforded me the desire and opportunity to pursue writing at this time.
Where do you get your ideas?
By living, watching, listening, and connecting dots. If something upsets my philosophical applecart or if someone says something that I intuitively disagree with, then I am motivated to research, get facts, and combine everything with my own opinion and write an article according to my interpretation of the facts.
How much does your time with God influence your creativity and ability?
My time with Him gives me greater awareness of His presence. I'd like to think everything I try to do stems from my desire to live according to His will. I don't have the strong heart of David, but I pray for one similar. I can relate when David says he loves God's laws. I, too, love harmony and look forward to the day when all is made clear for us.
What would you say to writers about writing every day?
Each person who writes wants to do so, I believe, because they have a unique perspective inside them that they want to express. It's an effort to sit down and put those inner workings on paper. I would say just jot them down, don't worry about order or form or exact wording, just get them out on paper in a flurry. Next step would be to put the words in a communicable form. Once again, it doesn't have to be perfect. Just make an effort. You will keep improving as you keep trying.
What other kinds of activities are you involved in?
I enjoy naturopathic cooking, organic gardening, baking....food, in general. I love the old movie classics and old-time radio shows, and I enjoy today's talk radio. I also belong to a couple of women's philanthropic groups.
Do any of these things interfere with writing, and how do you handle that?
Writing waits. It isn't my first priority, usually, unless a subject has me consumed. Even so, I have to work around my church and family activities. Sometimes I take a notebook with me.
Tell us a little about your family, and your general location.
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and a little white Bichon Frise. Holidays and summer outings, we usually spend with my husband's family, as they live just a few hours away. My sister and I keep in contact through e-mails and phone calls.
Tell us a little about your personal relationship with Christ Jesus.
I accepted Christ Jesus as the Son of God and my personal savior during vacation Bible school when I was nine years old. The more I live, study, and talk to Him, the more I realize just how blessed I have been in being able to make that decision as a child. During times of extreme stress, He has kept me centered and able to see beyond hardships.
What other kind of genre would you write in given the right motivation?
Let's see....I write a monthly devotions column for a Christian magazine, I write political articles now and then, have written some poetry, just finished a book on America's Christian heritage. I think I would like to write a children's fantasy. I do have some ideas.
How much do use resource websites and/or support groups (including blogs, facebook, twitter) ?
My blog is http://humblechristianpen.blogspot.com/. For it, I look for topics that I find special with an unusual twist to them such as the fact George Washington was truly a favorite of Providence. Events support that claim. I visit blogs of others quite frequently, particularly those of other Christian women. Most of them are positive and uplifting. As far as twitter, I visit my IrishShamrock account now and then to see what's going on and try to post something I think is important or interesting or even fun. I prefer Facebook because there are so many writers there that I can get to know something about. I can usually associate a writer with a picture and their work. Most of them are kindly accessible and available for comments. And, of course, Facebook is great for keeping old friends at your fingertips.
How much time do you spend reading?
On my days of isolation, I skim a lot of books and articles off and on all day long, even while the radio or tv is on.
Define what success means to you.
Happiness or success is when you know who you are and what you believe in and that you go forward in life according to those beliefs in fulfilling your goals. God's ways are the central guideline, I think, in finding the right direction. (For example, there is no deep happiness for a thief or cruel-hearted person.) Be honest with yourself and face reality, recognize your shortcomings, learn to live with them, and still strive to do the best you know how. Don't lie to yourself as I've seen so many people do.
"Godly Minds, Bold Hearts" is a well-researched, thoughtful and provocative book. It is a book for today; a book to reassure those struggling for their beliefs and patriotism. Portraying colonial America and its stand against tyranny, it offers insight into the life stories of important men and women who were loyal first to God. It is wonderfully human, containing profiles of many of our founding fathers. " ~April Boyer
"The seed for the book idea came about when I heard someone say that America was not a Christian country. I knew full well that most of our citizens consider themselves to be Christian and that we descended from Puritans so it got me to do some research on our founders and their beliefs. The Declaration of Independence itself mentions our Creator so I started from there and its signers' biographies. I found so much to show that all of them were Christians and/or approved the merits of Christianity in forming a country so I documented a lot of their quotes and actions. Facts are hard to argue with."
"How do you rate the condition of our country, and do you believe God can turn it around?
Knowing that the White House views the Constitution as a restraint and watching as the fiber and fabric of our nation day by day is being attacked and torn apart, I believe our country is about to lose itself. We are in danger of losing our sovereignty, and I hope enough of us have the foresight and courage to fight back. I'd like to see the nation as a whole under the informal leadership of those like Sarah Palin and John Hagee declare a national day of prayer and fasting.
One world government and economy is foreseen and told about in the Bible. Based on that and on the way Obama is destroying Capitalism in the U.S. and also on how so many leftists view us simply as citizens of the world, I figure that predicted scenario is where our timeline is now headed. I also believe the Rapture is just around the corner.
How long have you been writing?
I didn't start writing for others until about 2002. I started with a Christian website for the purpose of praising God and for sharing God's wonders with others who might visit.
How did you become aware that this was something you needed to do and could succeed at?
I found through the website just how much I could learn and regurgitate in my own way, and I became more aware of the details in God's science & what He's given us. In developing a renewed fear of Him and His great power, I felt as though I was doing something special in concentration on the wonders of His mystery.
And how did you know it is God's will for you?
A good motto to live by is 'In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.' He has afforded me the desire and opportunity to pursue writing at this time.
Where do you get your ideas?
By living, watching, listening, and connecting dots. If something upsets my philosophical applecart or if someone says something that I intuitively disagree with, then I am motivated to research, get facts, and combine everything with my own opinion and write an article according to my interpretation of the facts.
How much does your time with God influence your creativity and ability?
My time with Him gives me greater awareness of His presence. I'd like to think everything I try to do stems from my desire to live according to His will. I don't have the strong heart of David, but I pray for one similar. I can relate when David says he loves God's laws. I, too, love harmony and look forward to the day when all is made clear for us.
What would you say to writers about writing every day?
Each person who writes wants to do so, I believe, because they have a unique perspective inside them that they want to express. It's an effort to sit down and put those inner workings on paper. I would say just jot them down, don't worry about order or form or exact wording, just get them out on paper in a flurry. Next step would be to put the words in a communicable form. Once again, it doesn't have to be perfect. Just make an effort. You will keep improving as you keep trying.
What other kinds of activities are you involved in?
I enjoy naturopathic cooking, organic gardening, baking....food, in general. I love the old movie classics and old-time radio shows, and I enjoy today's talk radio. I also belong to a couple of women's philanthropic groups.
Do any of these things interfere with writing, and how do you handle that?
Writing waits. It isn't my first priority, usually, unless a subject has me consumed. Even so, I have to work around my church and family activities. Sometimes I take a notebook with me.
Tell us a little about your family, and your general location.
I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and a little white Bichon Frise. Holidays and summer outings, we usually spend with my husband's family, as they live just a few hours away. My sister and I keep in contact through e-mails and phone calls.
Tell us a little about your personal relationship with Christ Jesus.
I accepted Christ Jesus as the Son of God and my personal savior during vacation Bible school when I was nine years old. The more I live, study, and talk to Him, the more I realize just how blessed I have been in being able to make that decision as a child. During times of extreme stress, He has kept me centered and able to see beyond hardships.
What other kind of genre would you write in given the right motivation?
Let's see....I write a monthly devotions column for a Christian magazine, I write political articles now and then, have written some poetry, just finished a book on America's Christian heritage. I think I would like to write a children's fantasy. I do have some ideas.
How much do use resource websites and/or support groups (including blogs, facebook, twitter) ?
My blog is http://humblechristianpen.blogspot.com/. For it, I look for topics that I find special with an unusual twist to them such as the fact George Washington was truly a favorite of Providence. Events support that claim. I visit blogs of others quite frequently, particularly those of other Christian women. Most of them are positive and uplifting. As far as twitter, I visit my IrishShamrock account now and then to see what's going on and try to post something I think is important or interesting or even fun. I prefer Facebook because there are so many writers there that I can get to know something about. I can usually associate a writer with a picture and their work. Most of them are kindly accessible and available for comments. And, of course, Facebook is great for keeping old friends at your fingertips.
How much time do you spend reading?
On my days of isolation, I skim a lot of books and articles off and on all day long, even while the radio or tv is on.
Define what success means to you.
Happiness or success is when you know who you are and what you believe in and that you go forward in life according to those beliefs in fulfilling your goals. God's ways are the central guideline, I think, in finding the right direction. (For example, there is no deep happiness for a thief or cruel-hearted person.) Be honest with yourself and face reality, recognize your shortcomings, learn to live with them, and still strive to do the best you know how. Don't lie to yourself as I've seen so many people do.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Senator Randy Forbes asks if we are a Christian Nation
Does the corrupt U.N. resent America because of her power and refusal to kowtow?
Is our culture becoming coarse and are our morals on the decline?
Just who is America as a country? Is she really Christian?
What is our heritage as intended by the patriots who founded this nation for us, their descendants and legal immigrants, to build upon and not destroy by radical change and demonized 'progress.'
It behooves each of us as Americans to responsibily educate ourselves about our nation and be ready to defend her against lies designed to denigrate and bring her down to the lower standards secured by the rest of the world.
As liberals cripple America with political correctness and try to erase our pride and all memory of our Christian birthright, we need to be armed with the facts.
Read the truth of our founding one time and never be in the dark again. Become a well-informed citizen and share unique stories of faith and adventure with your children.
Does the corrupt U.N. resent America because of her power and refusal to kowtow?
Is our culture becoming coarse and are our morals on the decline?
Just who is America as a country? Is she really Christian?
What is our heritage as intended by the patriots who founded this nation for us, their descendants and legal immigrants, to build upon and not destroy by radical change and demonized 'progress.'
It behooves each of us as Americans to responsibily educate ourselves about our nation and be ready to defend her against lies designed to denigrate and bring her down to the lower standards secured by the rest of the world.
As liberals cripple America with political correctness and try to erase our pride and all memory of our Christian birthright, we need to be armed with the facts.
Read the truth of our founding one time and never be in the dark again. Become a well-informed citizen and share unique stories of faith and adventure with your children.
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