“They
tell us…that we are weak – unable to cope with so formidable an adversary.
But when shall we be stronger? Will it be when we are totally disarmed…Three
million people, armed in the holy cause of liberty…are invincible by any force
which our enemy can send against us.” ~
Patrick Henry ~
I
get a lot of email on a lot of topics but that which boosts my spirits and tells
me there are more solid patriots out there than the media or radical left would
have us believe are those asking: What can I do to help restore that
“Spirit of ‘76?
What
I’ll suggest is nothing magical or complex, just basic.
The best operations I’ve ever seen (military or civilian) have been the
simplest plans boldly executed by dedicated people. Simplicity works best when
applied with dedication, intensity and enthusiasm. Nor do I want to
pontificate or issue orders. I retired from issuing orders about 12 years
ago. I’ll just offer a few thoughts about what individuals can do to
help win this cultural war.
The
real key to forcing any governing body into effective change is for the governed
to go on offense in great numbers. Just
as Americans demonstrated during the immigration amnesty bill uproar in June, we
must roar. We must show resolve,
intensity, determination and controlled anger pressed in the face of our
political leaders—leaders who are driven to appropriate action only by
credible threats to their public image, political office and personal power.
Intense, vocal and extensive pressure from
Know
thyself.
First, you must determine where you’re willing to take a stand before you
decide what you’ll do and how far you’ll go. Then when the time comes
to put up or shut up, you won’t be as torn when the pressure is
greatest. Don’t start something
you don’t have the heart to finish and don’t be a bar room hero—the ones
that have bigger mouths than brains. I avoid braggadocio because those who
talk most perform least when the chips are down. Still waters run deep
while shallow waters just babble.
Get
actively involved.
Join one or more active pro-constitution/pro-gun groups then support them with
your time and money. Volunteer to help out with and attend their
functions. Read about and discuss current issues, books, articles and kick
around ideas face to face, via email and over the Internet with your fellow
patriots—you’ll be encouraged by all the like-minded folks you meet.
Don’t
expect to totally agree with every stance your group takes on every issue nor
will you always agree with the tactics employed to fight every battle, but
don’t quit just because of a few disagreements. Keep your eye on the big
picture. It’s that final objective we’re interested in not every rock
we must step over in getting there.
Push
for organization
and coordination. Encourage your group to join forces and fight in
a combined and coordinated way with other groups…something I’ve always
advocated if we are to have a solid chance of success. By this I’m not
suggesting that all groups fold into one. What I’m advocating is the
coordination of specific talents, resources and actions of these separate groups
toward a common objective. Coordinated and combined forces are far greater
than the individual parts and the establishment of such a combined force is the
most effective means of taking action. There are an estimated 80 million
gun owners in
Speak
with conviction, act boldly and don’t compromise on principle.
Politicians, the news media and the nation must know how strongly we feel about
preserving our freedom…we must “yell like hell” and in great
numbers! They must realize we mean business and that we will act boldly in
preserving that freedom. Weight of
numbers with a unified, bottom line message is more important than the exact
words sent. Politicians are more impressed by sheer numbers than one or
two eloquently written letters. So continually flood them with email,
phone calls, faxes and letters and be willing to take to the streets if
necessary in support of what you know is right.
Let your determination and resolve shine through…leftists are
frightened of strong and uncompromising resolve built on truth.
Support
those that support America. Money talks, so as much as possible, do business only with those
companies and people you know who stand up for traditional American values.
Banks that issue credit cards to illegal invaders is not a bank I’d support as
an example. Just as important, let
those businesses know why you are or are not supporting them. Be polite but very
firm.
Temper
your anger and enthusiasm. “Those the gods seek to destroy, they first make mad.” Don’t allow
unchecked anger or excessive enthusiasm to overrule good sense. Rushing
down that trial will lead you into an ambush and that’s not what we need to
win. A professionally executed plan by a dedicated and focused force is
more effective than even the largest band of irrational players. Let
your actions speak very loudly and keep your cool. Cool heads always
prevail while unchecked rage leads to destruction.
Don’t
get discouraged. Don’t be taken in by lies and think all is lost.
Question everything
that comes from the mainstream press and every politician—take nothing
at face value. Many in the anti-freedom camp will make the most outrageous
statements telling you they’re winning because this is what the American
people want so you better jump on board…after all, it is for the children!
Most Americans will never call them on these lies. Don’t be deceived.
You know the right of it, so show them the courage of your convictions.
Hang tough and be determined…don’t let down and don’t let up, challenge
the lies at every turn and never give up.
Vote
and encourage others to vote. Never
think one vote doesn’t count. If everyone felt that way, we would indeed
be lost. I don’t presume to tell anyone how to vote even though I
do have some strong feelings about my own approach.
I
see myself as a Traditional Constitutionalist—certainly not a Republican or
Democrat. I’ve been gravely
disappointed in both major parties and have and will continue to vote my
principles. If that is viewed as a
lost cause by those who say I may be throwing my ballot away, so be it. I can’t see where voting your principles is ever a lost cause. Again, I’m not telling you how to vote, just to vote.
Work
for your candidates. The
more you actively work to promote those that will stand up for our causes, the
more people you will attract to jump on our wagon. That jumping on and
joining in builds the momentum needed to make a real difference.
Read
about the founders and their struggle.
This can be inspiring and give you inner strength. Pick a few favorites
and get to know them. They faced
tremendous challenges but through dedication and perseverance, they won the
cause to establish a free country inspired by God.
Should we do less to preserve it?
Pray
for
This
battle will be fully joined only when we, the so-called “silent
majority,” are motivated enough to show Washington that we seriously mean
business and will not be silent—far from silent and certainly not sheepishly
submissive. It will be won only by
personal commitment and enthusiastic dedication to coordinated action. We
must set the example for all and push those groups to combine their resources to
fight as a coordinated force. People are impressed by good examples and
willingly follow those with whom they’re impressed and respect—be an
example. Lead, follow or get out of the way, but do so with gusto and
dedication. Stay positively focused, never compromise on principle, never
give up or permit your resolve to be diluted, challenge the lies at every turn
and pray.
Preserving
freedom has always been a tough fight, but the renewal and preservation of that
original Spirit of ’76 is worth it. Such personal commitment to live
freely will become not only an everlasting memorial to our ancestors who took up
the fight in those years that were America’s past, but also a precious gift of
insured freedom to our descendants in those years that will become America’s
future.
Just
the view from my saddle…
Contact Colonel Dan: coloneldan@bellsouth.net