Monday, February 27, 2012

Against Foreign Entanglements

Founding Father and First President, George Washington, warned against foreign entanglements in his Farewell Address.  The following excerpt demonstrates that his wisdom is as important to our nation today, as when first written.

“Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government, but that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial, else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to surrender their interests.”

The “insidious wiles of foreign influence” are destroying our economy with one-sided trade agreements; diluting our military power and resources with protracted engagements in foreign lands; rewriting our Constitution with United Nations resolutions and treaties; draining our coffers with “foreign aid;” and permeating our society with the worship of foreign gods.
Additionally, the “insidious wiles of foreign influence” are tied to our quest for world peace and security, but we forget the words of Benjamin Franklin, who wrote, “They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
It is past time to quit trying to re-invent human nature and realize the God-given rights to life, liberty and the pursuits of happiness can be enjoyed by individuals, only when these same rights apply to nations wherein they reside.  The more we are entangled with foreign powers, the more our God-given rights are restricted.
Methinks the old dudes in tight britches, high-heeled shoes, lace shirts, and white wigs, were not as foolish as they look to some folks, today.

Jim
www.jim-mac.com

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