250 YEARS OF FREEDOM
Here we are about to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. All across the nation people are preparing for grand celebrations. For me, it seems more of a time of reflection and meditation. This occasion brings much to mind. I think a lot about the America I used to know, the one that made me happy and proud. I truly miss that old girl.
Being an American used to make me feel very safe and secure. At the risk of sounding like a skeptic, I would like to reassure you that I’m still loyal. My country still means a lot to me. My heart rejoices in this year’s and every year’s annual July 4th celebration.
That said, things do seem to be different now. At first it was hard for me to put words to the reason. I’ve pondered it a lot. Though our country still feels like the best option in a fallen world, things are changing constantly. Today the word “independence” sounds more hopeful than sure. We have a few leaders trying their best to make our hopes and dreams come true again. I applaud them. However, it is very much like taking a trip to Disneyland. Once you walk away, the fairy tale ends. You have to face reality again. In the end you know the fight is against a host of global elitist, just waiting to take over. They are the powers that pull the strings behind the curtain. At some point you begin to see it is all just a fairy tale.
HOW DO WE KEEP THE FAIRY TALE?
The fairy tale of America The Beautiful is being dissolved away slowly one day at a time. A nation full of Peter-Pan-People are having to open their eyes to a different reality which never existed before. America’s Peter-Pan-People are going to have to learn how to grow up. It is now or never. The playtime of childhood is over. Eventually, you have to get serioius about life. While we have been playing, others have been scheming how to take all that we have taken for granted. Consequently, it is time to grow up or give up.
NAVIGATING THE STRAIT
As we celebrate this 250th year of freedom in America, there is a parallel season on the Hebraic calendar. The Jewish religion calls this time from Tammuz 17 through the 9th of Av “between the straights.” Between the straits is an illustrious phrase which graphicly depicts a ship moving cautiously between two extended shorelines. The water is shallow in spots and there is danger of striking a rock or getting stuck. The goal is to move through the straits without harm and head for the open sea. This metaphor of the Jewish religion is a time of remembering all of the devasting things the Jewish people have survived. The miracles have come with God’s help. You can look all the way back to Creation and see the patterns. Think of Balaam, Balak, and the Amalekites, Haman, Herod, the Romans, pogroms, inquisitions and the Holocaust.
There was the destruction of two temples, the burning of the Torah and the times of captivity. Moving into the current times we could consider all of the latest battles with Iran and its terrorists. These things have constantly plagued the small country called Israel. Much like America, they desire to be free. Israel has been fighting very hard to hold on to its freedom. History has presented them one battle after another.
THE PATTERN THAT KEEPS REPEATING
Each of these horrific events tried to put an end to the Jewish people. Thankfully, the modern state of Israel has survived and thrived due to many miracles. However, it is astonishing to consider how distress, attack and unrest have come upon the people over and over again during these exact same dates of history. Patterns repeat themselves annually. The patterns and rhythms of time are not specifically assigned to the Jews though. The whole earth recognizes these patterns of time. Just google a date during this period and notice the earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, plagues, wars, etc. This is the most intensive three weeks everywhere and it has happend throughout history the same.
At the same time the Jewish culture meditates and observes these three weeks, America will be celebrating a 250 year stretch of freedom. I’ve come to think of the formation of America as one of God’s ways of giving a reversal from all the tragedy the earth has suffered during these three historic weeks. At first this seem such an unlikely link. Yet, if you look deeper into history, maybe not. Many of America’s founders were Jewish men thrown out of Spain. They came here and forged a new life in a new world.
AMERICA BETWEEN THE STRAITS
Americans have had a different journey. We have always been strong, proud, brave and victorious. Israel mourns it losses. America celebrates its victories. That has been the set up for years.
This year, however, Americans too know that feeling of being “between the straights.” Not just metaphorically, but physically and literally. We have been in combat with Iran about the Strait of Hormuz. Most of this conflict has come about because we have been staunch allies of Israel.
Living through this war has left a feeling of unrest across our nation. It feels much different to celebrate Independence Day in the year of 2026 than it would have felt back in 1776.
NAVIGATION OF THE COMMON MAN
Back in 1776 we were establishing a better way for the common man to live. Unfortunately, most common men had fallen into a type of human bondage. They worked so they could pay their taxes. The concept of work benefiting the individual instead of the government has been lost on society. This was going on all the way back to the days before America’s establishment in 1776. In England it appeared that men worked for themselves, but basically they slaved to pay their government and got nothing in return for their loyalty. A man could barely feed his family after the extraction of taxes.
A picture of the best life for the common man included freedom and prosperity for all. This became the dream, where every man had the same opportunities. One huge part of that freedom also involved the freedom for each man to worship as they thought best. The Church was not to be subjected to the governmental powers. This new dream also provided the freedom of not being taxed against one’s will and beyond one’s control. Until America was established colonists were beaten out of their hard-earned money by a greedy government system which only thought of themselves.
MEN BECAME MACHINES
Though it may have gone unnoticed in those days, most of the fight was against men having to turn themselves into machines in order to survive. This new freedom in America brought the right to rest when needed, to spend time with families and to work in the labor a man chose for himself. If a man worked hard, he could save his money and get ahead. On the other hand, if he chose to be lazy, he could live on what he had. Life was a choice. This new way gave each individual the right to purchase and own a home. They could own land for growing food and livestock. Through farming they could provide the needed necessities of life.
No one had to depend on a “system” to survive. Best of all, no one had to stand at the end of a long line and hold their hand out for a pittance. Those who chose to work for themselves could always thrive. Yes, it would be hard work, but the peace that comes with knowing you worked and provided for your family was a joy that sustained the new settlers. They definitely preferred chopping wood to heat a cabin in the woods to working as a servant in a large English mansion.
In so many ways the dream of America was the battle of the common man against the man-made system of rich and elite royalty. Much of this declaration of independence was about earned rights against privileged rights. In this new land every man stood an equal chance to raise a family, own a home and live in the way they preferred. Be it ever so humble, it is good to be King of your own castle.
THE ESCAPE TO AMERICA
Coming to America once meant good men were finally released from having to share everything they owned (including time and attention) with entitled people who did not have the sharer’s best interest in mind. That principal held well until about 1913 when the 16th and 17th Amendments to the Constitution were passed. These amendments helped the Federal government to create an income tax. It was here that the shift began.
This move promoted people who did not respect a common man’s God, or share his religious commitments. Those who came to America escaped England’s “system.” Once upon a time this dreaded “system” was confined to only one country. Now it is a global movement and a rapidly expanding problem. The problem isn’t always from countries but from nongovernmental entities who aspire not to just the control of a country or region, but they seek control of the world.
250 YEARS OF INDEPENDANCE
For the longest time this dream of coming to America was the best answer. The Constitutional Republic Government which formed and the Declaration of Independence its people lived out provided a great way for people to live in freedom and happiness. This amazing event we have called Independence Day has now thrived and survived 250 magnificent years. We have experienced ups and downs, but for the most part, the blessings have been abundant and plenty. America has been and still is the most successful nation on earth.
So why do things suddenly feel so different?
One of the differences between today and the days of 1776 is the new existence of global government entities. They work behind the scenes and sway federal, state and local governments. Travel and technology have made this easier to accomplish. Such powerful organizations would have seemed impossible back in 1776. Our forefathers who gave such careful thought to our government (or maintaining the lack of it) would have certainly given the idea careful consideration. However, in those days time and space were harder to conquer. Today we live in a totally different world.
INVISIBLE YET EVERYWHERE
Somehow when technological miracles came into being, these selfish entities popped up like rabbits in a turnip patch. Suddenly, they were everywhere, yet to the common working man, their causes were totally invisible and unimaginable. These entities simply nominated themselves. They hid behind cute little acronyms and remained anonymous while quietly creating quiet and unseen havoc among the people.
Having no true governmental rights, these entities somehow bought their way into the existence of the running of our government and our institutions. The use of the internet is a good example. No one controls these groups who make up the rules. Suddenly you are receiving notices for fees and licensing for doing the things you have always done for free. Who gave these companies permission to monitor us? If your software changes it puts you under the control of a million other eyes. Each set of eyes is searching for ways to make money by doing nothing. So many companies are happy to sell you expensive policies which protect you from a thief or fraud. We already have laws that do this. Yet, these companies thrive on people’s fear of the unknown. Most people think they are being smart to buy these protections. It is comparable to paying another thug to protect you from the mafia.
MORE EXAMPLES
Have you noticed how many insurances you are required to take now? There is your home, its contents, your car, your health, your travel, your business liabilities, items you buy at Walmart, there is even an insurance for if you die. If you own a business these requirements multiply. I’m sure you have noticed how insurance premiums climb more and more as time moves on. There are many other such examples.
Medical care rates to the top of these entities too. How many hoops did you have to jump through in order to have insurance cover your last doctor visit? Did they require you to use your personal phone to receive the results of your medical tests? They all want you to tap into their perfectly safe systems. About every six months they send you a letter that says “oops we are sorry to report your information has been breached and compromised. You need to go cancel everything it took you a lifetime to establish and start over to be completely safe. The same people look at you like you’ve lost your last brain cell when they require you to re-register on-line with their office EVERY time you show up for a visit. If you came yesterday, you will still need to up-date.
How many papers did you have to sign before being admitted to a hospital? Many once patient oriented doctors operate simply as list checkers who check off all the items they know insurance will cover. They ignore the rest of their patient’s health because it is unprofitable to them. I could go on but it would be a waste of time.
THE PARALLEL TO 1776
In many ways these problems parallel the former rulership of King George III of England. They are similar in nature to the days when America was first being established. Leaving the “system” felt like a necessity for many. It was the only way to survive. Absolutely everything was about control. The question of the day is still the same. What gives certain groups the right to think they can control the lives of all other people? A more relevant question for today is, how has this been allowed to take place in a free country?
I suggest that we are in a process of living between the straits.
Like the annually repeating calendar pattern of living between the straits, Americans find themselves once again fighting for individual rights and freedoms. Individuals used to have to fight kingdoms and armies. Now they have to fight corporations larger than kingdoms and armies. Lawmakers seem to ignore the constitution. Often well established laws are simply ignored. There is always a loophole. These large entities plough through our nation doing whatever they please whenever they please. No one checks them. There is no accountability. They say “jump” and people jump. These companies know how to say the words that hold people in fear, whether they are true or not, they use fear based verbiage to get their way. They take from the common man and grow richer every day.
FULL CIRCLE
America has traveled full circle. Once again, groups of people we do not know, who do not have our best interests in mind, are trying to lord over us. We are a republic, not one of us voted these global entities into power. The laws they operate under are not the laws of our land, yet they are imposed upon our land. How could that be?
Again, like in the days of King George, they want all that we have and our service too. Their goal is to make themselves look good and important while taking from others.
However, this just isn’t the American way. A few citizens have opened their eyes and are taking note of reality. We used to be free because of competition. If taxes were too high in one state we could move to another. If federal taxes were too high, we could take our money and move our business to another country. Since globalism entered the picture, this has become too complicated. Once the whole world has proclaimed to be in charge of government, there is nowhere to go. We are trapped.
NOT JUST AMERICA
These global elitist desire the same from the little nation of Israel, or any other nation for that matter. In the end, for both beloved countries, Israel and America, it is all about the removal of freedom. Every answer lies in the fact that we cannot allow ourselves to sell out to a government doling out temporary creature comforts which only lead to more and more global control.
The constant push from the banks for CBDC is another example. There are many more. It seems the only “safe” way to live is to own nothing and owe no one. People are going about their luxurious lifestyles, paying no attention, trusting that the government knows what is best for them. As long as Uncle Sam is handing out little gifts for free they are happy and content.
Sadly, it seems America has forgotten how to be Americans. Americans used to be known for making their own way. They never took hand-outs. Actually, they often gave to others as they made their way on their own. Brothers stood with brothers and neighbors stood with neighbors. It was all about the family and the neighborhood, not the government and more taxation. We have forgotten to care enough about “we the people” to pay attention to what is happening to them.
WHERE SHALL WE GO?
So here we are. We find ourselves in the midst of another “between the straights” moment. The situation is much worse today though. Now there are no new lands available where we can go to start over and claim back our lives. The harsh reality is it is time to wake up and fight for the right to live as we please in the land we have been given. Where are those who used to be willing to fight? We’ve become spoiled and soft. Most of us have bought all of the lies hook, line an sinker. Without giving it a second thought, we’ve bought into the “system.” Once there, it is very hard to escape.
This time we must figure out how to stand and fight in our own land, among our own local and state communities and governments. It seems our enemies have planted themselves among us. These quiet “plants” are the areas where the strongholds begin. Many of today’s politicians are not always who they appear to be. We’ve developed a new animal called a RINO. Let’s clean out the zoo.
The constant strategy of those appearing to be in our favor who actually oppose our best interests is to gain our trust until they hold the reins and we lose control. Then they slowly turn the cart around to fit their desires. They take over without us even noticing what is happening. Is this not strange? Not if you realize they have been groomed in how to do this for years. When these so called leaders were young, they were given an education from the global powers that be. They like to serve by returning favors. It is all they have every known.
ALL ABOUT CONTROL
There are still a few innocent dreamers out there who may be asking who are “they”? “They” are many and various non-government entities who wish to yield their money and power in order to control our lives. Their members are out there working through every organization that exists today. Their presence is never noticed or announced. They work better in the background. Many are not even American companies. They proclaim laws, fees and fines on a global level in which we were never given a voice or a vote. These non-lawful concepts they push are there to put the individual (the common man) out of business. To put it bluntly, they have no right to do this but our people don’t seem to know the facts.
IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS
After 250 years of freedom, this is America’s greatest battle. How can we open the eyes of the next generation who have known nothing but this false form of freedom for a lifetime? We’ve allowed this cancer to fester and grow. Freedom has become something luxurious that you buy with money instead of something everyone who is willing to work can earn for themselves. Several generations have been shown a skewed concept of freedom. Colleges and universities who demand your life savings to ruin your child have taught our children this is the way to live. Just one more quiet, hidden struggle against our freedom. Any country that refuses to educate its own children in the things they believe, cannot expect the next generation to continue the fight for freedom.
So, what can we do?
TURN TO GOD FOR ANSWERS
I suggest we take a look at all of the old biblical stories where Israel was “between the straights.” What was the plan that worked in these impossible situations? It appears that each and every battle plan that was successful involved the people turning to God. He gave us a great instruction manual. The biblical characters we learn from had to be aligned with God’s will in order to receive God’s protection and provision. God’s ways and God’s laws (Torah) were the key to success and survival. It carried them through so many impossible situations. Torah is ageless, flawless advice. The information never goes out of date.
Sometimes it took 70 years to reverse the damages of sinful and wrong decisions, but somehow the people following God always made it through with hope and determination. Those two words, “hope and determination” are exactly what America needs right now. Are we capable of teaching these answers to our children today? Or do we allow AI to teach them how to become robots walking inside a straight line, bowing low to the wrong image and never really knowing what life is all about?
500 YEARS FROM NOW
500 years from now, I think this year may be marked as more than a grand birthday celebration. It is a “turning point.” What type of turning point, I do not know and cannot guess. Time will tell its stories.
I can only hope The American Story turns out to be a good one with a happy ending. That is my constant prayer. Our country still has more to offer than any other place on the face of this earth. Despite the page of problems I’ve mentioned, I am very thankful to be here. Think of the possibilities should we turn and improve our approach to life. Can we do it? I think we can, if we chose to follow God and not turn to the right or to the left.
We can be certain that things will have to turn one way or the other. Countries cannot go on like reeds bending with the winds of the global culture. Now is the time to stand up and be the true America. Either participate and teach the next generation or watch the dream die. The secret to surviving in times between the straits is to make good and careful choices. Good ships are able to keep moving forward with caution. The open sea awaits. Let’s lift the anchors that have kept us from moving and continue to travel the American way.
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