I am very proud to be from Rep. Gowdy’s district in SC and know that we sent a good one up to the big house.  I only wish that more of those that were sent would have the moral courage and character to stand for what is right and not let political expediency and political pressure stand in the way of justice.

His address in full: http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp

Words of wisdom:

In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. But, if I may even flatter myself that they may be productive of some partial benefit, some occasional good; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism; this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated.

On the preservation of our country:

The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.

On religion and morality:

Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.

On government debt and spending:

As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. One method of preserving it is to use it as sparingly as possible, avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it, avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense, but by vigorous exertion in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.

From a contemporary of George’s:

“It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religion but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We shall not fight alone. God presides over the destinies of nations.” – Patrick Henry

May God bless you and God PLEASE bless the United States.

Apathy
 
noun 
1. absence or suppression of passion, emotion, or excitement.
2. lack of interest in or concern for things that others find moving or exciting.

This is a condition where many find themselves in at different times in their life.  There are days where we fight tooth and nail for every principle, injustice, advantage or opportunity and then there often comes the time where we will sit idle and let the world pass us by.  This is the terrible place of making due with whatever is handed us.  Some of us can also call this compromise. 

This is the place that the majority of the country finds itself living in most of the time.  The only things that rouse us from this state is when something affects us personally and makes where we are an uncomfortable place to be.  We then raise up to stop what is causing us these problems so we can return to being comfortable.  I am encouraged to see so many people raising up to stop what they see happening in the country these days, but I am greatly saddened to see so many reasons for people to do this.  There cannot be a time in which we sit idly by and allow others to dictate our lives and liberty.

“But you must remember, my fellow-citizens, that eternal vigilance by the people is the price of liberty, and that you must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing. It behooves you, therefore, to be watchful in your States as well as in the Federal Government.” — Andrew Jackson, Farewell Address, March 4, 1837

The problems affecting the country have cause the people to take notice of what is happening in every level of government.  Every drop of gas we pump, every tax we pay and every bit of spending the government does is being watched by those who crave liberty and justice.  The Tea Party is the realization of groups of individuals shedding their apathy and standing up for principle and liberty.  Those in the government and media want to silence anyone who brings uncomfortable truths to light and return us to apathetic living.  However they have made a grave mistake, just like Admiral Yamamoto after Pearl Harbor.

“I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”           — Admiral Yamamoto, After the attack on Pearl Harbor

Now it is time to take the drive, the fervor and the desire for liberty to everyone you can.  The best way to accomplish this  is to do it personally.  Talk to your neighbor, tell the PTA officers, attend the school board meeting, attend the county council meeting.  Look into topics that you hear about and NEVER let anyone tell you what the reason is, find out for yourself.  The best way to confront what is happening is first knowledge.  Educate yourself on what is important to you, after that have the courage to speak out about what you know to be true.  Don’t let someone’s opinion silence yours just because it isn’t popular or what “everyone” knows.  Be a thorn in the side of those who wish to silence you.  We are fighting for nothing less than the fate of our country and our children.  I know what kind of world I want my daughters to live in and as a parent how can do less than everything in my power to give them the best future I can.

Stand up my brothers and sisters!  Shed the apathy trying to drag you down into mediocrity and become the new “greatest generation”.