Is this the moment when we begin
ducking our heads? Did the last day of 2011 mark the beginning of the end of my
being able to state personal opinions loudly in the public square (via this
platform or otherwise)? The President of the United States assures me that
while he's on deck, no American will be indefinitely detained for suspicion of
terrorist activity without due process. Do I believe him? And what come
November? Does the United States Bill of Rights mean anything after December 31, 2011?
I'm not naive enough to believe that
this decision, this Bill, which became US Law, happened overnight. I'm presently
startled by how silently it made its way through the American Legislative
Branch and rested at last upon that desk in the Oval Office where our President
"reluctantly" signed it into Law. Where have I been? And where are my
fellow Americans? Do we really believe that the pursuit of our safety requires
relinquishment of all of the freedoms granted us by the US Constitution and
Bill of Rights? Sincerely, do we believe that? Do I? Perhaps more importantly,
do we understand that what happened changes those freedoms profoundly and
severely? Are the implications clear to each of us?
The world is a broken place--of that
I am certain--I believe we're all quite convinced on this point. In no way do I
say any of this to discount the ongoing pain and suffering experienced by the
families who lost loved ones on that horrific September day in 2001. In fact, I
have the deepest respect for them and what they've been through. In the same
way, tonight I think of our Founding Fathers. I think of those families that
sacrificed their safety so that we might enjoy the freedoms we have come to
expect as Americans in 2012. What of their sacrifice? What of
that cost?
I don't intend to sound dramatic.
I'm simply and extremely sobered by this development. However, I am reminded in
the midst of what feels like a wave of worry: God remains on His throne. I
trust Him. I know that His will is already accomplished.
I do take a moment and ask Him: What
role do You desire for me to step into? How am I to live in this changing
landscape of diminishing freedoms usurped from American citizens by the very
people we voted into public office?
Though, I also remember that my true
freedom is never diminished--it rests in Christ alone and upon the sure
foundation of His life, death and resurrection. What hope! This Good News certainly
shines brighter tonight.
And still, I wrestle with the existing reality. These
words offered by those who have gone before give me plenty of food for thought
and I sit with them tonight and consider their wisdom…
A Bill of
Rights is what the people are entitled to against every government, and what no
just government should refuse, or rest on inference.--Thomas Jefferson
If the
freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep
to the slaughter.--George Washington
All
tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain
silent.--Thomas Jefferson
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