April 9, 2014

A Haunting Story

By Tammy Derouin

Life, with all its ups and downs, is challenging. Being blessed with freedom and liberty has made us exceptional among nations.  Up until recently, we haven’t had to worry about an out of control government meddling in our daily life.  It’s only going to get worse as the federal government shows no sign of lessening the attacks on the citizens.  If you read the Constitution you will realize a war on the American way of life is clearly under way.  The assault on America is coming from within our system of government. 

Tyranny haunts us like a shadow.  Is it really there?  At first it can be difficult to see, especially if it’s wrapped in a good explanation.  Maybe it’s just your imagination.  You try to convince yourself that the explanation makes sense. You wonder if you’re the only one who noticed that something isn’t adding up.  It’s crazy.  You’re crazy.  You are letting your imagination run wild.  Just ignore it, it’ll go away.

America is about to fade into the history books.  I never thought the federal government would turn so sharply on American citizens.  It’s amazing how quickly our protectors have become our executioners.  They are extinguishing our way of life.  Our government officials, the ones we elected to office, value our enemies, terrorists and non-citizens more than the American people.  Their actions tell a haunting story.   We’ve allowed them to get away with it in the name of political correctness.  We are about to politically correct ourselves right out of existence.

Beyond the everyday routine of balancing family, school and work, every generation has had to deal with unique circumstances in their lifetime.  Up until recently, Americans have dealt with events within the protected shelter of a free nation.  The government has overstepped its authority many times in the past.  Each time we allow them the liberty to over reach their authority, we lose a little more of our liberty.  We have been conditioned to accept without question or suffer the consequences. 

I remember a time when America was the exception because we were free.  Those who lived in other countries were ruled by an iron fist.  Their government didn’t acknowledge or allow individual rights or free will.  The government didn’t trust the citizens so it deprived them of their basic rights.  

My daughter loves to study history and civics.  She makes me so proud.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that the text book she is using, accurately explains our system of government. Well, at least it’s original intent.  She even brought home a copy of a song that explains how the three branches of government work.  Once again, how they are supposed to work.  Her class learned a song about government.  I would have been skeptical, had I not read the verses.  I liked the song.  It wasn’t the “School House Rock” version, but it was acceptable. 

While I was helping her with homework, I wondered how many other parents looked at the description of our system of government and shook their heads.  It’s right there in black and white!  There it is; the outline for our system of government!  Each branch is given its responsibilities.  Each branch has checks and balances.  No one branch is supposed to be more powerful than the other!

Life does get busy.  It can be difficult to keep up with everything.  I always hope I do and say the right things for my girls.  Once in a while I get some reassurance.  I noticed the house was unusually quiet.  My girls share a bedroom.  The door was closed.  I approached their room wondering what they were up to.  I didn’t hear the sounds I expected to hear.  They weren’t talking or laughing.  They weren’t playing or listening to music.  As I reached for the door knob, I heard a voice.  I stepped back as I realized they were listening to an audio historical/fiction children’s book.  I smiled and walked away.

A little while later, I went into their room.  I found my oldest on her bed reading along in the book.  My youngest was at the end of her bed listening intently to the story.  It was a story about why people risked everything in the name of freedom.  Why is freedom of religion and freedom of speech so important? 

Oppressive governments deny inalienable rights, rights which so many Americans have taken for granted.  Our freedoms and liberties are sacred gifts and should be carefully guarded.  Instead, Americans have become careless.  We no longer value our freedom; we freely give away our priceless rights. 

So why is one branch more powerful than the others?  I’m proud to say, my daughters know.

“To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race.”

Calvin Coolidge