Faith VS Fact and the perfect balance which created our nation

 Throughout these last two weeks my mind has been filled with the never ending questions arising after reading American Creation. Forgive me for the assumptions made throughout today's paper may be hypocrisy. I may be going against everything I have ever been taught about patriotism, religion and the essence of humanity. What if i told you America was an accident? Is the belief that America was of pure motives and sheer rebellion false? America was an accident in man's hands but a link to connect the illustration of God's purpose for humanity.

Since Cain first killed Abel in the beginning of time man has dwelt within controversy. Men have attained to crush the distress of compromise by establishing a monarchy. While solving a current problem of disagreements, monarchy's have failed to solve a long term crisis within humanity. It was not until the late 1700's when one man by the name of George Washington became the great "compromiser" in order to found a society centered on compromise. Why not embrace logic? I'm talking about each man's logic. Every mind has its own definition of logic hence why monarchy's have failed. In order for each man's logic to be taken into consideration there must be a constant negotiation. Why did it take us thousands of years to embrace the natural human desire and use it to our advantage? Was it all because George Washington was the first man to continuously lay down his own desires? Or was it because Madison resisted to "go with the flow of life" and began continuously doing his homework to find a better purpose in living.
I believe that America is a living analogy of our Christian walk. So let's say that before the constitution it represented a Christian before the discovery of Christ. Our nation didn't know what change they needed they just knew they needed to make changes. So before you knew it a revolt began. Essentially it took our founded fathers, all imperfect flawed human beings, giving their all and following their convictions to create am imperfect constitution. You see as Christians we are far from perfect but God calls us to give our everything and have faith in him to lead us into the right direction. The founding fathers put the same faith in the constitution even though they knew it was an imperfect piece of work. Imagine if the constitution had been perfect. We would not be living in a democracy for EVERY man because the constitution would only pertain to a perfect man. In the same way if we as Christians must be flawed in order to accept there is a higher power, our heavenly father.
The struggle between fact and faith makes up our nation. We had the anti-federalists who relied solely on their faith and patriotism to make all their decisions. If our nation continued with that motto we would not be the strong powerful world wide supremacy we are today because we wouldn't have our factual ideals backing us up. For the same reason a legalistic Christian would fail to contain the faith so vital for a relationship with an all powerful god. Its a concept Christians continue to struggle to grasp although God has given us the image and representation of our very nation to illustrate that balance of our factual evidence in the bible with our faith.
Many Christian's bring up the fact that nature or this world as a living example that Christ lives but for me if you look at the fact that men of all religions and beliefs came together and created a government with a foundation in Christ is living proof that Christ exists. Once the embracement of imperfection was embraced our world began to thrive. Madison himself is a living example on how us Christian's need to be living our lives constantly doing our homework learning the opponents facts so that we can destroy their beliefs throughout arguments. The constitution represents us as a people flawlessly. What could be changing in our country to we're it is headed on a downhill slope? Maybe it's the loss of faith in our nation. I believe god needs to be involved in our nation but even if the amount of Christianity is disappearing from our nation I don't believe that's the problem. Christianity is simply religion. Religion is useless. There's a deeper problem that lies within ourselves. The loss of faith. Our culture has evolved into a peace ridden society. c The clash of opinions is no longer viewed as a representation of our democracy but rather a extreme form of judgement and a stubbornness to resist blending in with society. Our minds have been diseased with the ideal to be content. A contentment that has slowed the progression of our nation and built a lazy persona within our patriotism.
I could have spent my whole blog writing about how the constitution was formed and how our government was formed but the truth is it cannot be explained. There will always be questions as to how the miracle of the United States came to be. And the answer is God. It was not one man, or even several men (not even the great George himself) so how can you truly believe in our nation if you don't believe there is a higher power. I believe God used our nation to crush the expectations a monarchy can hold and show a different form of life into which we should be living. The average "Christian" American is living in a democracy but walking in a faith built in a monarchy. A faith expected to be the same from individual to individual. I think the constitution is a flawless example of how the Bible should be taken into consideration; constantly debated, constantly questioned, constantly reevaluating it's meaning in our lives.

Today, September 26th 2016 was the first presidential debate. A debate proclaimed to go down in history and anticipated across not only the country but the world. As I sat on my living room couch watching the "pre-debate" discussions I couldn't help but wonder, how did we get ourselves here? Why is it that almost every citizen in America complains constantly about the presidential candidates? Isn't this a democracy? Wasn't it we the people who elected these two so called "knuckleheads" into office? Where is our democracy failing us to the point our people have to choose "the lesser of the evil" to vote for? I may never be able to fully grasp this concept or answer these questions. However, as the stage lights arose and the audience silenced my Monday night began to be filled with anxiety, frustration, comedy and overall an urge to go out and fight for my country. Sadly, at the unfortunate age of 17 I am not given the privilege to vote which this year is kind of a blessing considering I have no clue which side I would lean towards. 

 

As Hillary graced the stage with her presence she gave off a warm personable impression, shocking me considering her average cold-hearted classic political persona. Trump walked onto the supposed battle-ground with a professionalism like never seen before. These candidates were prepared for the biggest job interview of their lives and it was evident. The world sat waiting. Waiting for Hillary to dodge the question. Waiting for Trump to make a demeaning remark. The first bullet was fired as the topic of economic standpoint was placed into the hands of the opponents. Hillary Clinton grasped my attention as she brought up her views on the importance of the middle class. I believe our democracy thrives on a thriving middle class so I was shocked to find myself nodding along. Trump's strong viewpoint on supporting the upper-class scares me because of the fact I could see it leading our nation into another recession. His stance on once again becoming an isolationist country by pulling back on world trade and keeping jobs within America defiantly show in strong colors his business man nature. This concerns me because I could see history repeating itself leading to immense world poverty and a rise in communism. If my vote was solely on an economic stand point Clinton has my vote. 

The next topic was raised, concerning racial hurt throughout our nation. Clinton continues in her political nature by dodging the question and speaking on the recent tragedies involving our law enforcement and the minority racial groups. She claims we need to restore trust between the people and the law. We can do this by promoting law enforcement training, reducing jail time and making sure law enforcement carries the majority of the guns in America. While she provides a very clear path of action she fails to recognize the cracks in her system. To begin with, she stated she spoke to police officers asking about additional training and they agreed. Well folks, in what occupation will someone turn down training? Every hard worker who is passionate about their occupation will accept training. It does not matter how superiorly trained our law enforcement is if the people do not respect the law it will not prevent crime. Additional training for police officers will not heal racial hurt in America. Clinton also brings up the fact that "we need to take weapons out of the hands of civilians and into the hands of officers. Excuse me but in what government ruled by the PEOPLE does the government carry the majority of the weapons. Secondly, were going to supposedly put these weapons in the hands of officers however the officers must never shoot someone of the opposite race for fear of discrimination? Trump's views grew my interest as his con gun-control stance was evident and he stated, "We need to bring back law and order". Although a swift statement of his opinion followed more personal attacks on Hillary and boasts about his successful businesses I would have to cast my vote for Trump security wise. Because let’s face it putting your plan to defeat Isis on your website isn't the brightest idea Mrs. Clinton. 

Overall, I was discouraged at the fact that the politicians simply don't answer the question. I want to know their opinions! However, I figured out the system they use 

1. Agree that the question is a question

2. State why the question is relevant

3. State a recent event in which this has occurred

4. Address the problems

5. State why their opponent has contributed to this problem

Is it too much to ask for a solution? A wise man once said, "The solutions to today's problems often contain the seeds for tomorrows problems”. Why do our nominees not have solutions or clear plans they are willing to share with our nation? Were the founding fathers simply avoiding the issues in our nation or bringing up key points in order to please minorities? If George Washington was concerned about people's opinions of him as much as Trump and Clinton we would not have such a strong nation. I appreciated the fact that Trump continued to refer back to the Amendments and the Constitution while Hillary never spoke of the very documents our nation was founded on. Likewise, I think Hillary represented herself well and came prepared to face a giant with orange skin and crazy hair.

 I want to conclude with the fact that this debate gave me hope. Yes, I am crazy for saying this. For the first time in history we have a women candidate. For the first time in history a non-politician stands as good of a chance as a politician. Our constitution continues to live, breath and pump blood thorough the body of our nation. I have hope that I live in a nation that I can go out and make it what I want it to be. This debate opened my eyes to the fact that my opinions matter and I need to have them and know them and constantly be reevaluating my job as a citizen. 

Rumi once said, “Everyone has been made for some particular work and the desire for that work has been put in every heart.” If one stops and ponders it why DO men work? Throughout the article   http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-idle-army-americas-unworking-men-1472769641 the reader can find through the statistics provided, that the so called "working class has decreased immensely especially in the male sex.  The article states, "When American men were at genuine full employment, the “male jobs deficit” in 2015 would be nearly 10 million, even after taking into account an older population and more adults in college.". With these provided statistics one cant help but ponder the following questions; Who are these 10 million non-employed men? Does this decline have anything to do with technology? Is the cost of college tuition too much to receive a degree? Why are men loosing the desire to work? Does this have to do with the feminist movement? Will this lack of employable men have an effect on our society as did the "Crash of '08"? Although  the article appears abstract and has no explanation for this economic crisis I have concluded two possible explanations.

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The first is the feminist movement. CNN has stated in a recent article entitled, "Why men are in Trouble", "For the first time in history, women are better educated, more ambitious and arguably more successful than men." If women are powering through the workforce it could be virtually assumed that men no longer feel the need they once did to provide for their families. Currently the rates of "stay at home dads" is at it's historical peak. This crisis could be strictly pinned on the rise of feminism, however that would not explain the reason why there continue to be more jobs available than citizens to fill them.  

This brings up my second point. The vitality of the middle class. You see without the middle class being the vast majority of citizens, America would fail to reign as a democracy. Each generation of American citizens should be given the ability to strive to reach higher economically. If the poor aren't given the tools to work their way up to the high class our economy takes the form of a monarchy or communism. If the rich are not taxed heavily their reign over America will have a dangerous impact. You may assume i am getting off topic, however i assure you this will all fall into line. If our government does not support the middle class men fail to produce the desire to work hard in order to better the lives of their families and themselves. The middle class continues to stoop. Pew research center recently found, " The hollowing of the middle has proceeded steadily for four decades, and it may have reached a tipping point."  As seen in the chart below the middle class continues to stoop therefore weakening our democratic economy. 

The Bible states, "“If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).". From a biblical perspective it is obvious that men should work because it is the "biblical" or "Christian" thing to do. However from an economical perspective why are men slacking off? Could the "Crash of '08" have to do with it? Are there a lack of physical activities in school that promote work? I believe the Wall street Journal brings up a good point, however the article lacks to expand on it's idea. Perhaps the article is one to promote thought and raise awareness without necessarily stating the direct problem. Simply the awareness of the lack of work could promote conversation within the home on the importance of each man's labor. To sum up, my personal opinion is that each one of us have been put here on this earth to make an impact. We have one chance. One chance to use our ideas for the benefit of others. If we fail to step out of our comfort zone and work hard while we are here on the earth, the ideas and impact we could make dies with us. Next time you are tempted to "call in sick" or not give 110% remember this is your one chance. The difference you could make today will die if you fail to breath life into it. 

Sexual assault beginning with the home life

The sexual revolution has begun. Thoughts of "love wins", rainbow flags, gay pride and sexual freedom may be racing through your mind. However, along with this "no judgement" era has come consequences. Sexual Assault has increased rapidly throughout the years raging in the lives of college students. Advocates have stated that if college is the hunting ground for sexual assault high school must therefore, be the "breeding ground".  Although high school consists of harassment, cruel boys, insecure girls, and overall ignorance involving sex, I disagree. I believe in order to truly reach the root of the problem we must travel back decades to the beginning of the divorce revolution.

Dr. Pruett found that by 8 weeks of age an infant can distinguish the difference between a male and female parent. A contrast of both sexes in the upbringing of a child provides the child with a more well rounded up bringing giving them an advantage socially. Along with the divorce movement children began receiving unequal and converse parenting between the mother and father. The importance of a father in a child's life has proven to be crucial. The basic foundations of "how to treat a lady" are most commonly taught by the father. A child can observe from their father how to treat a women based of off the treatment of the mother by the father. If the foundations are lost young boys are failing to learn a basic sense of respect for women.

A lack of love, discipline and example from each gender or parent can often lead a child to rely on pornography to fulfill "questions" and sustain their natural desires when the standards of parental figures fail. The industry of pornography is cheapening sex. For young minds pornography is creating the same unrealistic expectations for sex that a Cosmopolitan magazine is creating for body image. Perhaps one could say porn has the same influence over sexual assault that tabloids have over eating disorders. The pornography industry has power in today's culture because of the billions of dollars involved. Albert Einstein once stated and i agree, "Power always attracts people with no moral values".  If the "power" in today's society consists of sexual perversion is it a surprise that sexual assault continues to increase? 

Is it a coincidence that the sexual revolution followed the divorce increase? Ayn Rand once stated, " A cult of moral grayness is a revolt against moral values". If marriage is no longer valued, sex is no longer valued. If sex is no longer valued should it be a surprise that sexual assault is an all-consuming monster destroying the lives of many? In order for sexual perversion in our culture to diminish, our generation, "the millennials" must take a stand. We must redefine that sanctity of marriage. If we start with the simple step of building marriage back up, families will grow stronger, children will receive the sexual guidance and education for them to handle themselves properly, the porn industry will diminish and human society will gain its strength back. Is this too much to ask? Maybe. However, as Christians we must aim higher than our own strength in order to fully achieve God's purpose for our life. Our generation holds the power to protect those suffering from sexual assault in our hands. Think of this the day you say your "I do's". Think of this when the pornography ad appears on your Twitter feed. How will your sexual decisions regarding marriage, pornography and overall respect for others impact your future/current child. Bob Kraft set out to find the "root" of the problem to protect his upcoming college aged girls. Well Bob, if the high school years are the root of the problem then you must consider what are those roots feeding off of?