"These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." –Thomas Paine

There used to be a time in America where we actually stood for something bigger and greater than ourselves. I am fearful perhaps we have lost that national fervor for the greater good. For too long government has made dependents of far too many of our citizens and the only fight worth fighting is fighting for one’s rights or entitlements. This is a national stain on this great nation. What made America "exceptional" was the idea that every man. woman, child, individual was created by God and endued with certain inalienable rights. Each individual was respected as made in the image of God and thusly should be protected from the ravishing of tyrannical government. The colonists stood together in the 17th and 18th centuries to fend off the tyrannical talons of England and were willing to die for something greater than themselves – liberty and justice for all. Neighbor stood with neighbor to beat back the enemies of freedom.
This love of freedom drove men and women to fight and die in foreign lands because they believed FREEDOM was something worth fighting for and wanted to see others set free from despotism and wicked tyrants. America was once seen as the ONLY HOPE or like Ronald Reagan put it "a shining city on a hill".

I am afraid the shimmer has gone out of our once great nation. The populace has learned how to vote themselves special favors and monies from the federal coffers. They have learned how to steal from their neighbors and no longer stand together as one nation under God. We have been divided by politicians who play class warfare and pit one group against another in order to gain political advantage.

It is time for true patriots to once again rise to the occasion. We need true patriots to challenge the soft tyranny running unchecked throughout our society.

I take great hope in the rise of the Tea Party movement because I see in them the nature of true patriotism. It is not about them but for the country. They are the ones who have for years, worked hard, obeyed the law, looked after their families, pray to God, worship in faith communities, and basically lead quite, peaceful lives. However; the see the handwriting on the wall and have been stirred to take action. They are willing to make the sacrifices needed to right the wrongs of the ship of state so that their progeny will be able to enjoy the fruits of liberty left to them by their forefathers.

Will you be among the noble who cry GIVE ME LIBERTY or GIVE ME DEATH or is your battle cry simply GIVE ME?

The TEA Party has made an impact in the culture wars. Love them or hate them, but in the end you will learn to respect them because they are not driven by personal gain but by a cause greater than themselves. It is for their children and their children’s children that they stand and fight. This is a cause worth dying for.