Volume II, Issue XLVI
We've Crossed the Delaware, Trenton Awaits
In the Winter of 1776 it seemed like the Revolution was lost. After a series of defeats the Continental Army was barely hanging on in their camp in Pennsylvania. Then George Washington risked everything and crossed the icy Delaware.
It was December 26, and the Hessian soldiers were snoozing after some heavy Christmas feasting when Washington's men surprised them. The Continental Army captured over 800 Hessians and rekindled the moral of the troops and the people.
It is helpful to remember that only a third of the people actually supported the Revolution. Another third were Tories and the rest were undecided. Still, after the brave attack on Trenton, new recruits and renewed support fueled the Continental Army as it pressed on.
Yesterday's election saw the Democrat monopoly in Congress broken. The House saw a return to a Republican majority while important seats were picked up in the Senate. But here's the real story:
After the Democrats gained contol of all elected bodies, they began to fundamentally change the strucure of our nation. Those who favored smaller government and more personal freedom [and responsibility] found themselves disenfranchised. Then they found their voice. The Tea Party movement grew, not around any cult of personality, but around principles. These principles had been neglected by leaders of both parties and that had lead to many people looking to anyone promising 'hope and change.' The problem was that the 'hope and change' that was forthcoming was really just and expansion of government [and debt] that threatened to permenantly diminish the status of our nation.
Determined to derail the destruction of America, Tea Party organizers rallied large numbers of citizens to come to Washington. Though the media tried to dismiss them, the movement was too visible to ignore and maintain credibility.
Citizens who had left government to the experts all their lives rolled up their sleeves and got involved in the business of government. A record number of regular citizens ran for office in this election. People like Rand Paul, who's background is medicine, not law and a host of others made the cut. Some like Christine Odonnell and Joe Miller won their primaries only to find their worst opposition residing in their own party!
Still, the citizens took back the House of Representatives and gained significant seats in the Senate. When people stepped forward the system worked. The Democrat monopoly has been toppled.
But the fight has just begun. Return to the status quo is not an option. Elected officials should have learned that an increasingly informed electorate will be holding their feet to the fire.
Already, the MSM is casting the Tea Party as a 'new problem' for Republicans. Yes, the people who brought the party back to life will now demand that Republicans fight for the principles that define us. Eric Cantor has already said as much this morning, saying voters have given the party 'another chance.' In Alaska and Delaware, the old guard has proven itself to be part of the problem. They must not be allowed to water down the enthusiasm that exists to return this Nation to her roots. If they are allowed to do so we risk repeating the mistakes of 2006 where many voters did not see them as a viable option.
The battle awaits. Government overreach and overspending must be reigned in. Trust must be restored and communication with the people reaffirmed. The American people need a good dose of Ronald Reagan's message that their greatness does not come from government... it comes from within each one of us. There is much to be done. The war is far from over, but today we are ready to face the foe head on.
Men and women of Faith and Honor are needed more than ever as citizen leaders, not in government but in our communities. The seeds of our greatness are not to be found in government, but rather in free people exercising their G-d-given gifts unrestrained by repressive government.
The Battle of Trenton.