EGALITARIANISM

From My Perspective - - -

For almost 235 years, the United States of America has existed as a Republic – for many of those years - the envy of the world. We had representative government; regular and orderly elections; prosperity beyond comparison; ingenuity and creativity that allowed for great advancement; and freedom for which people sacrificed so they could become part of the “new world” with the new opportunities.

The earliest documents of this nation indicate the desire to both promote and preserve the freedom of all. The Mayflower Compact was a written agreement composed by a consensus of the new Settlers arriving at New Plymouth in November of 1620. All 41 of the adult male members on the Mayflower signed the Compact. Being the first written laws for the new land, the Compact determined authority within the settlement and was the observed as such until 1691. It is simple and forthright in its assertion. The Mayflower Compact reads: "In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620." Some of those affixing their signatures to this document were: John Carver, William Bradford, Edward Winslow, William Brewster, Isaac Allerton, Myles Standish, and John Alden. Among some the earliest settlers and observers of this new nation stated:

EDMUND BURKE (1729-1794), "There is but one law for all, namely, that law which governs all law, the law of our Creator."

PATRICK HENRY (1736-1799), "It cannot be emphasized too strongly, nor too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ…"

THOMAS JEFFERSON (1743-1826), third U.S. President, chosen to write the Declaration of Independence, said: "I have little doubt that the whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator, and, I hope, to the pure doctrines of Jesus also." In his 1805 inaugural address, he stated: "I shall need, too, the favor of that Being in whose hands we are, who led our forefathers, as Israel of old, from their native land and planted them in this country."

Consider these things with me - - - and remember that the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights are only valid when the elected Government is committed to maintaining and defending these principles of freedom. We are approaching a dangerous threshold that might allow for many of these rights and freedoms to be jeopardized. Egalitarianism means: “Affirming, promoting, or characterized by belief in equal political, economic, social, and civil rights for all people.” While we are to pray for and show respect for our elected leaders, we must not jettison the work ethic and championing the individual’s responsibility to work, earn, utilize thrift, sacrifice to achieve purposes and goals worthy of seeking. The Holy Scriptures emphasize the beauty, reality and necessity for freedom. In Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” Freedom from religious legalisms, and freedom from governmental intrusion in personal matters of life. When one allows himself to benefit from largess from the treasury of the Government – “Liberality in bestowing gifts, especially in a lofty or condescending manner” – it always comes with an eventual personal cost, namely – bondage and slavery! You can be free in Jesus Christ! He said: “Know the truth – it will make you free indeed!”