Strong Words And Emotion From An Oath Keeper
America is at a crossroads in its relatively short history where we are faced with enemies domestic. It is being bombarded with the idea that our Constitution needs to be replaced, that the document itself — and all that it represents — is outdated and should be relocated in some dusty museum along with all the other stuffed carcasses and deceased ideals of long gone ages and extinct civilizations.
We are midst of a revolution where those who make war upon us use guilt-mongering rhetoric and propaganda to spread the seeds of dissension and animosity in and amongst the fabric of our society. A revolution not of armies facing off with one another ready to destroy at a moments notice, rather it is a revolution of ideals and principles.
The current brood of politicians in our legislative and executive branch has all but completely usurped the Constitution. They continue to cut the binds and overstep the boundaries it succinctly lays out to prevent such usurpation and instead of a representative Republic we find ourselves looking into the dark breach of a total and complete socialist takeover, a social experiment whose dead and desiccated remains litter the mountains and valleys of the world’s past history.
Our people have become punch drunk with the recent onslaught of unneeded and unwanted legislation and the negative rhetoric espoused by those who are suppose to represent us. Our politicians continue to lie, subvert, distract, foster dissension, and constantly move the bar of governance so that no amount of Kentucky windage can be used to reason out their intent or their motives.
The rule of law, as it was intended by our Constitution, is quickly being replaced by celebrity politicians who think their fortunes and status are to be placed far, far above those who elected them. They, along with their legions of agitprop water bearers, are pulling the rubber band of the people’s patience further than it has ever been pulled. Either the band will break and all hell will break loose or, hopefully, it will snap back into its original shape and form and left well enough alone.
Currently in America a thread of uncertainty and fear courses through each community, city and state within its borders. Not the fear of the future because, as Americans, we are the world’s most positive, giving, and upbeat people. But it is a fear nevertheless that our way of life, our children’s and grandchildren’s way of life, is quickly changing into something those who heeded our nation’s call have fought against time and time again in many distant lands and parts of the world.
When heeding the call to serve everyone gave something of themselves but all were always hopeful to someday return home to a grateful nation, to reacquaint themselves with families and friends, to return to a life of productive citizen, employer, employee, coach, teacher, father, mother, son or daughter, living their remaining lives in peace and enjoying the fruits of their individual labor. Some who heard the call were destined never to return home alive to their loved ones after having given their all for an idea and belief they were doing what was right, honorable and true.
Because of the current situation we find ourselves in there is a quiet, small movement afoot which has only begun to materialize in form. This movement is one that cannot be bought off, and its course cannot be altered or changed. For you see, this particular movement has already been paid for with the blood, sweat, tears, and loss of those many men and women who have heard the calls to help, aid and assist this great nation in its times of need. Again, our nation calls.
It has been paid for many, many times by those who have served this great nation in uniform, regardless of whether or not it was during times of peace or times of war. For those of us who heeded our nation’s call in the past, and now in the present, we never thought until now that one day we might have to engage ourselves in a war within our own borders.
A war fought not with implements of death but with thoughts and reasoning all bordering on the fact that the one and only thing that binds us together as a people is under continual attack. Those who took the oath realize what is at stake and most, if not all, are willing to pay the price again in whatever measure to protect and defend. To paraphrase Japan’s Admiral Yamamoto, and more recently an American citizen at one of the town hall meetings, a sleeping giant has been awakened.
To join this movement is relatively simple. One must take upon themselves a particular oath, an oath to serve, to protect and defend a way of life. That oath, my oath, was first given to me during the summer of 1973. I have taken the oath several times since then and each time it was a totally new and distinct experience with the exception of one thing. That one thing being the total sincerity, belief, and commitment to what the oath represents and what it stands for.
All of us who took that oath came to realize at that moment there was something much bigger in life than just ourselves and our limited view of the world. There was something more to being an American than fast cars, fast food, fast living and a celebrity way of life. It was the realization that being an American meant being responsible for its protection and the protection of that most important document that sets us apart from the rest of the world; our Constitution.
There is a place in each one of us, as Americans, that represents the greatness of this nation and sets us apart from the rest of the world. Therein lays a strong and silent confidence that no matter what happens to us, no matter the difficulties life puts before us, no matter the danger or despair, we are a great people who make up one of the world’s greatest nations. And we are all bound by the single most important document to ever exist as a base set of laws for all freedom loving people. It not only forms the basis of our government but it sets distinct limits of said government to ensure that the people remain the true sovereign, not the government. It also establishes the individual freedoms whereby our great nation has become strong and prosperous.
That greatness lies within all of her people regardless of race, creed, culture, religion, or sex. It does not lie with our politicians, our current government, our institutions of learning, or our so called leadership. The greatness of America lies squarely with, and within all of her people.
If her people become sullen, afraid, filled with economic worries, health, and medical concerns, if we are constantly bombarded with negativity, guilt, shame, useless laws, and continued government interference then our great nation suffers. If our elected officials do not reflect the will of the people, if they do not remain within the bounds, and govern by the rule of law, as set forth by the Constitution then our great nation becomes listless, unsure of its course, and unsteady as it founders at the least foul wind or rough sea that comes our way.
But if our people are secure in the knowledge that there is binding trust between them and those whom they elect, that those who are elected to ‘represent’ truly do what they are elected to do, bound by their own obligations and oaths of office to perform those duties within the confines and restraints as prescribed by our Constitution then America, by its own people with their hard work and unrestrained efforts, will remain that great beacon of light and freedom that generations of people from all across the face of the earth have come to emulate and desire to become a part of.
As one who proudly took that original oath and obligation many, many moons ago I am proud to join my brothers and sisters here at Oath Keepers. I will follow the ‘Declaration of Orders We Will NOT Obey’ and will do all within my power to protect and defend the Constitution “… against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
Pride runs deep.
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September 17th, 2009 at 3:07 am
Excellent analysis of the problems we face today in this once great country.
We are still the gratest nation we just need to refocus our politicians by pressing them to step back behind the lines they have crossed of the constitution. This can only be done by voting out those that work themselves and not for us the people that elected them.
I stand with you.
Robert A. Gomez MSgt, USAF, (Ret)
September 17th, 2009 at 3:22 am
Hi, From one submariner to another, welcome aboard! Thanks for the testimonial and concise analysis of America today.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Brother, that would make one hell of a TEA Party speech. You need to get with your local group and get on a platform! Top that off with an Oath ceremony and you have an Oath Keepers event!
Seriously, that has some cheer-worthy moments. Think about it.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:06 am
Great testimonial!
From another submariner, I also first took my oath in 1973, welcome.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:16 am
INCREDIBLE WRITING!!! THAT SHOULD BE A SPEECH!!! I STAND WITH ALL OF YOU AS AN OATH KEEPER, VETERAN, AND CITIZEN OF THIS GREAT COUNTRY!!! LET US NOT FORGET WHY OUR COUNTRY IS GREAT!!! MAY WE ALL PROTECT HER, SO HELP US GOD. THANK YOU…
September 17th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Thank you all for the kind words, it is very, very much appreciated.
Pride runs Deep
September 17th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
Ahoy. What CorbinKale and the rest of the crew said above, I agree. Outstanding commentary & insight. You have a perspective & delivery that deserves many ears. Eloquent, emotional & stirring. Thank you for your efforts, and mostly, your courage.
/s/ Lynn Roberts, USN, 1976-1il978
“Get up stand up, stand up for your rights. Get up stand up, don’t give up the fight.” ~ Bob Marley, Freedom Fighter, singer, & Rasta prophet for H.I.M. (champion of peace & freedom).
September 17th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
I could not have said it better.
September 17th, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Thank you sir. God bless all Oath Keepers and God bless the Republic.
September 18th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
For I though I was the odd person out who felt the this is greater than me realization when swearing that oath.
Thank you, very good writing!
I believe I am going to read it again!
God Bless all of you here!