NOW WHAT?

The window of opportunity to reverse course is closing in on us. America’s founding fathers understood that the bedrock of liberty is an educated and morally-religious populace. As stated in the American Patriot’s Bible, America's founders believed, “that the strength of the republic was dependent upon the morality of her people, and that religion must undergird it. They saw the education of young minds being at the heart of it.”   

In his book, "If You Can Keep It, Eric Metaxas defines the indispensable golden triangle of freedom: “Freedom requires virtue, virtue requires faith and faith requires freedom.”   

The experiment in Godlessness and secularism in society has proven to be an egregious failure. Our schools are breaking at the seams and the next generation will be the ones to suffer for it the most. 

School textbooks, teaching materials, literary material and even our dictionaries need a watchful eye. The Epoch Times reported that when reviewed by the Florida Department of Education, dozens of K-12 math textbooks in that state were rejected because they contained “indoctrinating concepts” such as critical race theory. Out of 132 textbooks, 54 of them (or 41%) contained prohibited topics.  

Under the same scrutiny, how many textbooks in Charles County, Maryland, would be found to contain objectionable material designed for indoctrination, rather than education? 

Even dictionaries are redefining the American lexicon. Just one example is the word “patriotism” which has been watered down to the extent that its original meaning is lost.   

In 1828, according to Noah Webster’s American Dictionary, patriotism was defined as:  “Love of one’s country; the passion which aims to serve one’s country, either in defending it from invasion or protecting its rights and maintaining its laws and institutions in vigor and purity. 

Patriotism is the characteristic of a good citizen, the noblest passion that animates a man in the character of a citizen.”  

In 2004, according to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, patriotism was defined as:  “Love for or devotion to one’s country.”  

Notice how the first definition requires action, while the second definition is strictly emotion. The first version of patriotism is what had been instilled in my father and his entire generation. 

Education and upbringing led selfless American heroes, like my father, to serve in WWII and willingly sacrifice their lives, if need be, to protect the United States and save the world from a totalitarian and barbaric Nazi regime whose goal was to rule the world. 

Are children today being taught about freedom vs. tyranny under repressive regimes, like socialism, communism and fascism? Are they learning that, as spoken by Daniel Webster: 

“God grants liberty only to those who love it and are always ready to guard and defend it.” 

Pride in America must make a vigorous come-back. Our children must learn how exceptional a nation governed its people is and how fragile freedom is.  Educational tools must include  instructions on the founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Federalist Papers. The Foundation for Liberty and American Greatness proposes that the American flag be displayed in every classroom, and students should recite the Pledge of Allegiance each day.  

For years it has been touted that “diversity” makes America stronger. Yes, Americans appreciate, respect and enjoy one another’s diverse cultures and heritages, which is as it should be. Diversity adds cultural flavor and dynamics to our great country. 

But let us not forget that America works best as a melting pot.  The ties that truly bind Americans are our common ideals based on love of liberty and equal opportunity for all.  Sharing a common language and culture and enforcing our borders keeps America strong and united. These are abiding truths that schools, families, churches and community organizations have a responsibility to impart to future generations of Americans. 

As President Ronald Reagan said, freedom is not inherited in the genes.  Each generation must fight to maintain freedom and pass the torch to the next generation of Americans.