Tifton Tea Party

Many discussions have occurred in recent years about the General Welfare clause in the Constitution and what it means. The beginning of Article 1 section 8 “Powers of Congress” reads, “The Congress shall have Power To Lay and Collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to Pay the Debts and Provide for the Common Defense and General Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;”

One point of view believes this clause opens the powers of Congress to anything that could be construed as welfare of an individual. thus giving Congress the power to make any law for what they believe is the good of anyone via the term “General Welfare”.  Current events show this by simply looking at the news.  Congress believes they have the right to force health care on everyone and Cap and Trade, as well.  Congress knows what is good for you and passes laws against smoking, current agenda items like controlling your salt intake, laws on fat foods and fast foods, federal gun bans, establishment of EPA and OSHA, just some examples from recent years.  All of which Congress was not granted power over in the constitution.

My point of view is totally different.  Just the basic logic shows the previous mindset to be in error.  Our founding fathers had just gave life and blood to revolt against a tyrant, who had too much power.  Why would they ever replace one tyrant with another tyrant? Now with some deeper understanding of our founding fathers, one would know there was a large disagreement about that very thought of replacing one king for another. This point and several others were fought out by the Federalist and the Anti-Federalist.  Much understanding can come from reading about these two groups and their thoughts, but what is important is who the winners of these discussions were and what were their principles which were adopted? The winners of the disagreements were the Federalist.  The Anti-Federalist did not want an executive branch, because they did not trust a central government, since it would eventually become the tyrant they feared.  The final fix the Federalist used was the three branches of government, which can hold each other in check and had their own different specific powers.  The three branches we now have: Executive with the Civilian power over the Military, Cabinets, Pardons, Appointments, Congress with the power to make laws within the guideline of the Constitution and the Judiciary, which has the powers to setup the Supreme Court and any inferior courts designated by congress, Trial by Jury, Original Jurisdiction, and Treason.  There is much more to this story.  The differences of opinion Thomas Jefferson and James Madison had with Alexander Hamilton, which you may want to dig into, had an end result that was Alexander Hamilton’s push for a larger central government and an early equivalent to the Federal Reserve was stopped.

Federalist paper 41 written by James Madison describes and address the “General Welfare” clause and the specific point that it is not an open door to any power Congress wants to write laws on.  In short James Madison said: “If there were no definition of power, such as there is in the Constitution, Article 1 section 8, one could possibly believe then the general welfare clause was an open check for interpretation, but because the powers are defined, one cannot then assume different intent, because the intent is defined with the specific powers of the Congress.”  Federalist papers are full of in depth thought from our founders and vital to an understanding to the reasoning behind much of our Constitution.  The authors of the Federalist papers were Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay.  Oh yeah, James Madison, the author of Federalist paper 41, is also considered the Father of the Constitution, so his word should carry a fair amount of weight in the meaning of Article 1 Section 8.

Speaking about against the national bank (early Fed) and the implied power “general welfare” clause on Feb 15 1791, Thomas Jefferson discussed the danger of misinterpreting the Constitution. The danger in the hands of Senators and Congressmen was “that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and, as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please.”

So what do we do now? Continue to educate yourself. Challenge your elected leaders currently in office.  Ensure the next set of elected leaders understand their obligations to the Constitution and “We the People”. Discuss things with friends and neighbors.  Lastly, fulfill your Duty and Responsibility and make an informed vote during elections!

Jeff Korson
Alapaha, Ga.

http://www.tiftongazette.com/opinion/local_story_051235420.html

At this time in Georgia history, the downturn in the economy is causing state legislators to seek diligently to find revenues to meet state expenses. Disturbing news is coming out of this year’s session. The ideas of allowing horse racing with legalized gambling, and Sunday sales of alcohol are being discussed — not by Democrats as in the past, but by Republicans. You know them, the party of “traditional family values.”

Should the validity of something being legal be based on its tax revenue potential? The answer: Absolutely not. You do not make decisions to give people freedoms and rights which are not granted in the moral code upon which this country was founded, The Holy Bible. Our founding fathers predicated their beliefs upon the laws and moral codes which are given in this sacred book, and our Constitution and Bill of Rights were founded on its teachings.

Common sense and a look at your neighbors will show us the destruction that alcohol and gambling bring to many in society. In the state of Georgia it is estimated that there will be more than 43,000 DUIs and 515 deaths due to intoxicated driving this year.

Statistics also show that there will likely be 2,621 deaths related to alcohol abuse. Georgia statistics further reveal that an estimated 429,000 individuals had an alcohol abuse or dependence problem in the 2005.

I won’t bore you with gambling statistics, but we all know someone who cannot afford to gamble, but who does it anyway. Aren’t these people worth the attempt to help them by not making it more accessible?

It is so important to me, that I for one, pledge to NOT support any political candidate who votes to bring either of these proposals to a vote, no matter who their opposition is. In my mind, they will have earned “term limits” and I will strive to see that they are not elected or re-elected to political office. The days are over when I hold my nose and vote for the better of two candidates who do not really represent me.

Jerry Camp

Tifton

Tifton Gazette printed 5 Feb http://www.tiftongazette.com/opinion/local_story_036225833.html

There is a lot of frustration in America today. The government has gone wild with leftist agendas. The American way is fast becoming a thing of the past. This frustration has awakened a sleeping giant, the so-called silent majority. But this frustration is being infiltrated by people using conservative-sounding tactics to fool us into dangerous territory concerning our freedoms and rights. We even have local writers proposing constitutional amendments by the gross, thinking they can fool the electorate with solutions that are detrimental to our Constitution. Don’t be misled by these people trying to amend it, but be sure they know what they are doing. Our Constitution is well thought out, has checks and balances that our forefathers knew politicians would need to keep them in check; and it has afforded us the greatest nation in the history of the world.

I will note a few of the fallacies of the new order. Religion, granted a personal choice, is being used to destroy what our forefathers went to great lengths to embody and chronicle; a Christian nation. All of our rights and duties are based on Biblical principles; these are called laws by the Constitution. The Koran and other radical documents are man’s thinking and they’ll only lead to bondage to that thinker; socialism, or worse, communism. I don’t have a problem with someone having a different religion than mine, but don’t try to change my Christian nation into say, a Muslim society.

Social orders: Another tactic that is being used by the new world order as a means of divide and conquer. Race is used to pit neighbor against neighbor. Whatever race God allowed us to be born in, our Constitution guarantees us the right to pursue life, liberty, and freedom. Abraham Lincoln phrased it as, “All men are created equal.” I agree with that, but I will define it a little different, “I believe: every person is born with the RIGHT to CHOOSE, ABILITY to CHANGE, OPPORTUNITY for PERSONAL GROWTH, and the CAPACITY to GIVE of themselves to others.”

The trend to BIG GOVERNMENT: Where in the Bible or Constitution does it say that everyone is entitled to having someone, or something, provide everything for them? We have many today that want MORE given to them. There will come a time, if it’s not already here except for printing presses printing bogus money, that there is nothing left to give. By the way, the Bible says the Church is supposed to support the widows and orphans, not the government. Shame on the Church for forfeiting that privilege. Bailouts are just rewards for mismanagement and incompetence. My father-in-law used to say, “You can’t borrow yourself out of debt.” Healthcare is not a right, it’s a personal choice. Why do people drink, smoke, overindulge, and wreck their health; personal choice. The problem with healthcare today, and it is real, is that it was created by government mandates resulting in fraud and waste to the tune of 50 percent. Cut that out and you have reduced healthcare cost in half. Cut the greed out and you reduce it even more. Simple!

The tactics of the left: Taking the above-mentioned problems, creating a crisis, and calling for solutions that appeal to the frustrated, but uninformed. Amendments to the Constitution on popular issues that start with “Whereas”, that address a problem, but always end with “Therefore”, that further dilute the Constitution and therein the danger lies. If politicians would base 100 percent of their vote on constitutionality rather than greed, we wouldn’t even consider amendments; there would be no need. Another leftist tactic, Constitutional Convention, don’t ever be misled by that. That would lead to a new constitution, and we have no Adams, Jeffersons, Franklins, Hancocks, Washingtons, etc, today; and apparently most Christians wouldn’t participate. That is just simply dangerous territory!

Solutions, not revolution!

Randy Thompson

Printed Jan 16 2010 Tifton Gazette http://www.tiftongazette.com/opinion/local_story_016221324.html

Some in our nation are asking this now and most likely there will be more in the future, asking the question, “Why are we suffering so?”. There are many different ancillary reasons we, as a nation, are in our current predicament.  All these things just add to the confusion, yet there is a simple answer to our problems and until we, as a nation, realize this, we will not recover.  We have turned ourselves away from God and the Lord Jesus.  We have committed vile sins against our Lord, such as allowing the young to be killed (Abortion), sins of the flesh (Adultery, Homosexuality), false witness against thy neighbor, greed, slothfulness, envy, destruction of the family unit (one man and one woman with/without children) are just a few of the more pronounced examples you can see around you every day.

The Bible is full of examples of how a godly people turned their back on God and loss his protection.  The story of Noah, where God’s children had so corrupted themselves, He was going to destroy the world but decided to instruct a good man, Noah and his family, on what they were to do, in order for man to start again. Later Abraham’s children lost their way and found themselves captives of Egypt. Then those whom had prayed for help and just witness to the many acts of God, when he freed them from Egypt, turned their backs while Moses was off receiving the Ten Commandments.  These are just a few examples from Scripture, which show when a nation or people turn their back on Him, they loose the protection of God.

The Manhattan Doctrine, which was signed by leaders from various Christian denominations and others in their congregations, is just one step a Christian nation should take to return to the righteous path. We Christians do not need to be insolent about our beliefs, but we also should no longer be mute.  Human nature is such, that no one likes to be told his or her actions are wrong or immoral. But just because we do not like to be told things are wrong does not make our actions right or unaccountable and the tool used throughout the years was through public pressure (humiliation).  Christianity teaches forgiveness, but the key for us is to recognize our errors, correct our behaviors, and repent.

How can one recognize they are doing wrong if we keep changing the definition of what is moral?  So many denominations have changed their standards to “bring them in line with the times”, yet tell me, has God changed His standards?  How is it if you research your religion and find that what was wrong 100 years ago is now acceptable or blessed? This is the work of not God, but the devil for he speaks with a forked tongue.

We have a long road ahead of us.  There is no quick fix and before we can truly start on the right path, we have to, as a nation, find our way back to God.  To do this, each Christian should search their soul, educate themselves and speak up.  Peer pressure is something, which has been missing in our society for a long time now, because no one wanted to hurt another’s feelings.  However, there is a difference between saying spiteful things and telling someone what they are doing is wrong.  Next large steps are for Christians to move their churches and religions back on the right paths, while also demanding our leaders to reflect our return to higher standards.  Until these two steps are accomplished we will flounder and fail.

For those Christian whom believe a politician should not speak of God, I have something for you to ponder.  Man is supposed to render Glory to God and the Lord Jesus.  This means a Christian man should give worshipful praise, honor and thanksgiving to God.  Now, if a politician is to never render Glory to God, then how is it he can be doing good and what is right?  The Bill of Rights is for all citizens, not just non-politicians.  Thus, responsible Christian politicians have an obligation to render Glory to God, along with the right to speak it out loud.

“I have been alternately called an Aristocrat and a Democrat.  I am neither.  I am a Christocrat.  I believe all power… will always fail of producing order and happiness in the hands of man.  He alone, who created and redeemed man, is qualified to govern him.”  The author was Founding Father, Surgeon-General to the armies of the middle department (Continental Army), Treasurer US mint, Professor of medical theory and clinical practice, University of Pennsylvania… Dr Benjamin Rush.

Jeff Korson
Alapaha, Ga.

http://www.tiftongazette.com/opinion/local_story_008231322.html

I’m writing this to you with a serious concern for America and her citizens. What I’m about to say is not new. It has underlying origins dating back many years, but the process has been in earnest since the late 1940’s. There are some that would like the American way of life to go away. They have subtlety been working from within, but are now confident they can destroy us openly because our society seemingly has no concern for freedom. We have steadily let those take our freedoms away from our society under the guise of protection, or whatever; for the last couple of decades. And some don’t want to make an effort to fight against tyranny. Folks, if we’ll just open our eyes and pay attention to their agenda, it will be apparent that they are destroying our country.
To name a few fiascos of just the last year: the banking crisis, which was intentionally created; the take over of major privately owned corporations such as GM and Chrysler, illegal; Cap and Trade, which is based on a farce; stimulus and bailout, which are paybacks to their loyalist; healthcare, which will not only tremendously raise cost as well as limit healthcare as a government appointed panel dictates; a nation debt that is beyond comprehension: there are more, but that is enough to destroy the greatest nation there has ever been.
They have done enough already to be successful in taking down our economy. I believe America will come back because we are Americans; and that very word means independence to me. But we are in for some tough times in the not to distance future. I want you to consider what I have to say, it could preserve your family. If I am wrong you have nothing to lose; but if I’m right you have everything thing to lose, including you life. You can’t deny that money, although still available, is virtually worthless. Jobs are being lost everyday, already to the tune of 10% plus. Truth be known, it’s closer to 20%. Those people are trying to destroy our economy first and then create a crisis to get good people to voluntarily give up their freedoms, maybe martial law? Well, what can we do to survive?
I have no reason to care if you don’t do this, but you at least need to know. It’s been suggested by concerned leaders that we stock up on essential non-perishables such as canned goods. Just double up every time you shop until you have at least a year’s supply on hand. No TV dinners or prepared meals. Stock up with water and other bottled liquids. Start a seed bank, they will last indefinitely. If you have a little plot you can plant, save more seed, and also have fresh food for a long time. Stock up with ammo because when money can’t buy anything, there will be those that try to take what you have, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. I have numerous sources that say this is not only a possibility; but is likely a probability within a year, maybe two.
Things are already being set in place in order to quell civil unrest among law abiding citizens like you and I, who will resist tyranny. Get to know your local sheriff; he is the law of the land in your county; not the FBI or any federal agent. This is according to the US constitution. State sovereignty is also still constitutional, for how long I don’t know; but it is illegally being usurped by the Federal government. We will take our country back if we join together, but we have to get involved in the process. We have a gubernatorial candidate that has come out strong for state’s sovereignty, let’s make sure he succeeds. Folks, we are not breaking the law, they’re the lawless ones.
You may want to get a bicycle; this is not meant to be funny. Maybe an older model vehicle that doesn’t run on computer, and some stored fuel. There is already technology and it’s in the possession of small militant countries that can use a small, innocent looking ocean vessel; detonate a small warhead a hundred miles off shore and nullify ALL electronic impulses for a year. No telephone, no generators, no electricity, no fighter planes or other defense machines; or anyway to coordinate a defense against an enemy. We’d be defenseless. Anything electronic will be ineffective.
This is exposing our enemies, both foreign and domestic; and they are real. If you don’t believe this is a possibility; and if enough are unconcerned to the point of doing nothing, goodbye free America.

Solutions, not revolution! Randy Thompson

I have been reducing my thoughts and beliefs to writing for several months now, and I’m appreciative to the Gazette for printing them. And, I’m overwhelmed by the response their readers have conveyed to me. Ninety five percent-plus have been favorable and this encourages me as to the mindset of the people, our neighbors. I’m also glad people can disagree because of freedom, but if we go the direction some of them advocate I think the America we love and cherish so much will cease to be. Some are intent on talking America down the road of socialism, but that will never work for freedom-loving patriots. I, myself, would rather die than live in bondage.

Some may think I’m down on America by my writings, but I’m only sounding warnings. I love America. Our founding fathers gave us a form of government, a republic, that has empowered our nation to greatness for 233 years, They admonished, and warned , of the pitfalls of a big, oppressive government. We need to heed their warnings, or we will lose what they wrought. I don’t want to be a part of the generation that lost our freedom. It’s not easy; it takes effort, but it’s a price we have to pay. Future generations deserve the gift of freedom we have inherited.

Unadulterated history, which is missing from the textbooks and classrooms for the most part today, teaches us that our forefathers’ warnings were valid and the path the current administration is trending will not work. I will be willing to debate this with certain history teachers and back it up with facts. History books started being altered in the early 1900’s to reflect a liberal agenda. Check your footnotes in current books, and then compare them with original books. Many men and women gave their lives that we might have the freedom we have enjoyed. Now we have a bunch of cowards trying to destroy US, and do so under the guise of CHANGE. Thanks America, we are now getting it, but you’ve not seen anything yet unless we stop it.

Some of my fellow patriots meet every Monday night to react and coordinate opposition to the forces that are threatening free America. Seemingly not many people are willing to fight for our liberties; but I know that’s not so. I’ve heard from many of you. Folks, if we don’t do it for ourselves, let’s do it for children and grandchildren. I guess I’m writing this not for popularity, but to challenge you to help us fight. America is worth fighting for, and our future generations deserve it. Our forefathers, up to this present generation, have paid tremendous prices in terms of lives and sacrifices. I know it’s not convenient to attend meetings and such; but folks, we need to stand together, else we fall together. Edmond Burke once said, “All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good mew to do nothing.”

I am asking in our area to get involved in our local, state and federal governments. Its not only a right we still possess, it’s our duty; and we can’t let government go unchecked anymore. There are evil people in the world, even America, and they seemingly never sleep. We have to keep our guard up. We have to WIN IN TEN. The group I’m a part of has a Web site, tiftareapatriots.com. It’s non-partisan, non-denominational, patriotic and very inspirational. I’m also asking you to join the fight. We meet every Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn in Tifton. We only meet about an hour and let everyone who wants to participate.

By the way, food for thought, in a country where all men are created equal, and that’s the words of one of our great Presidents; if it’s right for some to have everything provided for them, then it’s right for everyone to have the same benefits. But folks, that won’t work; someone has to produce. Maybe the Constitution is relevant after all, it guarantees us the right to life, freedom and pursuit of happiness. And folks, we can’t spend our way out of debt.

Randy Thompson
Sycamore
Printed Tifton Gazette Around Dec 3 No web version.

It was a crisp September morning when my husband and I entered the Old Walled City of Jerusalem. It had only been two months since the end of the Six Day War in 1967 and Israel’s overwhelming victory against their Arab neighbors and the defeat of the Jordanian army. Through military force the Israelis had taken over control of East Jerusalem and the West Bank and tensions were high throughout the occupied territories.

As we entered the Jaffa Gate and stepped onto the ancient paving stones within the walls of the Old City, I had a feeling of unease. Few westerners had ventured into East Jerusalem since the occupation, and all eyes followed us as we traversed the crooked and sometimes steep flagstoned streets just wide enough for a donkey, with ancient cave-like rooms used for shops that dated back to Roman days, and the mysterious dark doorways leading to open courtyards with more dark openings leading to the unknown. We were eyed with suspicion as we encountered armed Israeli soldiers patrolling the labyrinthine alleyways.

We found an old pilgrim’s inn run by the Franciscans called the Casa Nova tucked away in the heart of the Old City, located not far from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It was built about 1850 with those three-foot-thick walls, and each room was like a chapel. The inn was almost empty of pilgrims, and the Franciscan in charge eagerly showed us a room, explaining that the W.C. was at the end of the long hall, and that meals were served promptly at a set time. The inn had a constant turnover of fascinating people, and every meal in the old spacious dining room was an experience.

After an unforgettable month at the Casa Nova we moved to a two-room house in a Greek enclave located just behind the Armenian Quarter. The little house had thick walls and a cupola roof and had been used by the Green Orthodox Church for storage and was located across the tiny courtyard from the church. The Old City was divided into different quarters: Christian, Armenian, Moslem and the ex-Jewish Quarter. Our enclave had a high gate that was locked at night. We always made sure we were home early.

Jerusalem is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with its age estimated to be 4,500 years. The Old City is barely a third of a square mile, and is surrounded by the 16th-century walls of Suleiman the Magnificent, which roughly follow the course of the walls built by the Romans to encircle Jerusalem in the second century. Our days were spent exploring Biblical sites and getting acquainted with the endlessly colorful and fascinating inhabitants who, despite their hardships, were the friendliest and most hospitable of any people we had met.

Our dearest friend in Jerusalem was a Palestinian Christian named Joseph, who grew up in an orphanage in the Old City. He was a guide at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which was built on the site where Christ was buried. He had little formal education and spoke fluently eight languages. He would entertain us endlessly with the history of his beloved Jerusalem and stories of the fascinating people he had encountered. Materially he could not have been poorer, but he was rich because he possessed the virtue of gratitude.

Though we were Americans we became known as “The English.” We were visited once by a Texas couple we had met in Eilat on the Red Sea, which was a modern seaside resort built by the Israelis in plain sight of the shimmering white Port of Aqaba, which was “enemy” territory. Realizing how difficult it was to find one’s way around the Old City, we told them to locate the Armenian Quarter and to ask anyone where “The English” lived. They did this, and were escorted to our ancient home by a horde of Arab children.

We made many trips around Israel and to the occupied areas of Bethlehem, Jericho, Hebron and the mysterious Jordan Valley in the Dead Sea area. We swam in the Dead Sea, which was incredibly buoyant because of the high mineral content.

During our long stay in Jerusalem each day was met with excitement and expectation. Every Friday at 3 p.m., the Franciscans, with the faithful, would retrace the steps of Jesus from the Pretorium to Calvary. We explored the deep valley of Cedron, where it was crossed many, many times by Jesus when he was going to the Temple; and on the Mount of Olives, which appears just as it was over 20 centuries ago, we sat beside the same olive trees that witnessed the agony of Christ and His ascension into heaven.

We frequently visited Bethlehem, which was only six miles down a winding road south of the Old City. The side of the road was still strewn with burned-out military vehicles, and we saw stone houses that had been heavily damaged during the Six Day War. A favorite halfway point was a high ridge where we could stand and see Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

On Christmas Eve there was a solemn procession from Jerusalem to Bethlehem by the clergy of Jerusalem and led by the Patriarch down the six-mile road and ending up at the Church of the Nativity. That year there weren’t many pilgrims because of the war, the occupation and security concerns, but the local Christians, and we, gathered at the Manger Square to listen to choirs sing Christmas carols and concluding with Midnight Mass at the Church of the Nativity.

It was within the walls of the Old City that I was the most content and happy. I remember so well the humanity of its people, and the scent of the old marketplace. To this day when I smell oregano, thyme or frankincense I’m transported back to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem means, of course, City of Peace, and to some it might seem the most ironic of misnomers. I found it to be the most appropriate of names.

Ann Wolfe

Printed Dec 25 2009 Tifton Gazette

http://www.tiftongazette.com/opinion/local_story_358163047.html

It was on Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, exactly 220 years ago, that George Washington during his first year as president proclaimed a “general Thanksgiving” that would in time become a perennial official holiday (or holy-day) observance. This was the very first Proclamation of the United States and was signed by Washington on Oct. 3, 1789, when the capital was still in New York. This document was enclosed with a circular to the governors of the states with the greeting: “I do myself the honor to enclose to your Excellency a Proclamation for the observance of a general Thanksgiving which I must request the favor of you to have published and make known in ‘your way and manner’ that shall be most agreeable to yourself.’”
Newspapers printed the Proclamation, announcing plans for local public functions in honor of the day, Nov. 26, 1789, and broadsides of the President’s Proclamation were posted in public places. But when the capital was moved from New York to Washington, D.C., the original document which was written in longhand by the President’s secretary, William Jackson, was somehow lost.
Though several of the engraved broadsides survived, the original Thanksgiving Proclamation was lost for 130 years, until it turned up at an art gallery auction in New York City in 1921. The document was purchased for $300 by Dr. J.C. Fitzpatrick of the Library of Congress, where it is now enshrined.
The opening paragraph states:
“Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to ‘recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”
In the closing paragraph, George Washington states:
“And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually, to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord, to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.”
Though our nation has drifted from time to time from Washington’s principles, the Proclamation serves to remind us from year to year who we are, and what we should be.
Thanks to Thanksgiving,
Ann Wolfe
Tifton

Printed Nov 25 2009
http://www.tiftongazette.com/opinion/local_story_329164537.html