Ercille I. Christmas

Spotlighting Pearls Before the Swine Swoop In
April 22, 2010

The apparent gutting of portions of the US nuclear program for self defense and portions of the NASA space exploration program brought to mind thoughts of loss and nostalgia. First though, I must pause and acknowledge the effectiveness of President Obama, in at least one area of his job performance. He receives a lot of flak for many of his policies. But, I have to praise our Caesar for at least one skill. I am amazed at how efficient a "dismantler” he is turning out to be, almost a one man wrecking crew, of the traditions, security and friendships of the US, and with such speed. Simply astonishing! His feats can almost be likened to the velocity of space travel! I give him a "solid B, A plus” for his demolition skills.

As I marveled at that model of efficiency and speed, the questions flowed.

If there were to be no more United States of America, what memorabilia would we want to keep? Would we want to want to keep historical monuments and other buildings and structures of American pride and prowess?

Would we want to preserve the Flag? Would we be allowed to keep such tangible symbols of Americana, by the werewolves who take over?

Would we finally come together, regardless of color of skin, and help our neighbors, and not be obstructed by politicians in sheep’s clothing, whose delight is in keeping social, political and economic divisions alive?

Would the professional race baiters find racial religion and harmony, and be willing to give up their lucrative race baiting profession, for more morally satisfying employment?

Would the perpetually offended, by invisible and manufactured slights, grow nostalgic for the country that used to be, as they begin their sojourn in a country where dissent is verboten?

Would corrupt politicians have an epiphany and cry out "My God what have I done, in selling out my country for 30 pieces of silver”? Modern Judas wannabes, you received much more in 21st century coinage, than a mere 30 pieces of silver!

If I woke up tomorrow and found myself in a land that is no longer the US, what memories would I want to retain in the camcorder of my mind? Would I care to retain any memories, or willingly retreat into what would be the welcome fog of Alzheimer’s? At this point in time, the "what if’s” are purely fictional. I pray to God that it is His will, that this country founded with His grace and consent, be allowed to endure.

So, what would I "cling to,” besides God and the guns that I do not have? I admit it. I am biased in favor of the Founding Fathers. I consider them real men, who in the face of overwhelming odds – I would have bet against them – took on the mighty British Empire – and won. I would therefore want Mount Rushmore preserved, without any further additions. No one in this era is worthy of having his or her face on that mountain. I would want to see the People’s House, after it has been restored to its former glory, preserved. My great regret is that I did not visit it in earlier years, those "corny” days when Flag, country, Mom and apple pie reigned supreme. As for that precious Flag, I would tattoo it on my forehead, if that were the only means of preserving some semblance of it. It may be, by order of the US president, "Flag non grata,” in Haiti, but it is welcome in the safe harbor of my heart!

My vote would be in for the preservation of Mount Vernon, where the legacy of a great and humble man, our first president, George Washington, and still first in many of our hearts, is meticulously preserved. Colonial Williamsburg would also be definitely on my must preserve list. There is a little college located in Michigan, by the name of Hillsdale College that I would hold onto to for dear life. Hillsdale, true to its tradition, recently held an online Webinar, Reviving the Constitution, which is available to the public. Wikipedia describes Hillsdale College thus:

Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan is a co-educational, liberal arts college known for being the first American college to prohibit in its charter all discrimination based on race, religion, or sex; its refusal of government funding; and its monthly publication, Imprimis.

Imagine that. The little college that could, founded in 1844, is almost as old as the country it so proudly represents, and it is still chugging along, with its principles intact. It’s core focus is the authentic US Constitution, as written by the framers, not the one that some find to be "living and breathing” as they try to tack onto it, items never intended by the Framers, far wiser men than the tinkerers can aspire to be. That is my opinion as a "Rogue Scholar.” In my vernacular, a "Rogue Scholar” is one who is non politically correct, one not hobbled by the leftist crap burrowed into much of academe," and follower of those revolutionaries who founded this country.

I suppose that we should keep, what is it called, Capitol Hill? Not much constructive has come out of there in recent times. Some citizens are blaming the inhabitants for the US they used to know, being decimated. Since this is my fictional journey through nostalgia, I will make the executive decision to keep the buildings and records. After all, my tweets, among millions of others, are being preserved in the Congressional archives. Patriots who come together to try to reconstruct the country we used to know, in my humble opinion, will find in some of those tweets, the history of why the country that was – is no more.

Let’s see. Is there anything else or anyone worth keeping? Why, yes. It is the people. In the words of the letter from 27 retired astronauts, sent to the president, protesting his cuts at NASA, detailed by Timesonline.co/uk:

"America’s greatness lies in her people: she will always have men and women willing to ride rockets into the heavens. America’s challenge is to match their bravery and acceptance of risk with specific plans and goals worthy of their commitment.”

Blessed, fortunate or both, that is the essence of America – its people, willing to risk "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” in service to their country. "Dismantlers” of every age, will find themselves coming up against that immovable force, the spirit of the American people. I keep this reminder from Lt. Col. Allen West, the lesson of the marathon run of Phidippides. Yes, the same Lt. Col. West who had a "teachable moment” with an Iraqi who will probably recount eternally, his encounter with Lt. Col. West as an American, who effectively demonstrated that he means what he says. He probably gave Lt. Col. West a "solid AAA plus,” in the art of persuasion.

Having taken this stroll through priceless Americana, through the heart and soul of this country, I can now confidently put away any fictional thoughts of the disappearance of this US of A. There will always be the "few, the proud,” who though outnumbered by the slackers, will make up for lack of numbers by breadth of courage. These brave ones may have to keep reinforcing the lesson of their indomitable spirit, until the rest of us catch up. They will – because they are honorable. I am betting my life on their commitment.