Nice article Andy. Freedom as you well articulate isn’t free. Americans have grown complacent to believe that we have a fool-proof set of checks and balances to protect our liberties. Indeed, we have the best system in the world under our Constitution however we are learning the hard way that a small, well-organized, and patient group lie in wait to remove our freedoms systematically. I’m writing from Nicaragua where the people here know exactly what communism, socialism, rigged elections, and tyranny look like. The Nicaraguans see that our government is in trouble because they know exactly how their government was captured and it’s suspiciously similar. They love Trump and look forward to his (3rd) win. By taking back our government from the deep state, we will not only get our country back, but it will help restore these smaller countries who don’t stand a chance if we don’t win this. America First with the understanding that this is truly a battle for all, as our liberty is a shining light of hope for the world.
I hear you Brother, but believe that the Catholic Church has been subsumed by the Deep State…so, very confusing times over these past couple of centuries… 1832 Rothschild loan to the Holy See…
Terrific column. Thanks, Andy. I keep hearing from people who say they're terrified about Trump taking away democracy if he's elected and when I ask them what he did during his four years that indicated this, they just regurgitate Rachel Maddow. I've come to the conclusion they're not at all afraid of democracy being taken away. If they were, they'd be out on the streets protesting the way their CA governor has already taken away democracy. I think what these people fear is democracy itself. They'd much rather live in a highly regulated and enforced world which makes them feel safe. Trump is not a dictator, he's an old style Constitutional leader who believes Americans have it in them to be adults. That's his real crime with all these TDS “liberals” because they'd rather remain children forever.
As a former officer is the U. S. Army, I’m still under oath. I swore to protect our Constitution against ALL enemies, foreign or domestic. There are 10s of millions like me. Why do you think they want us disarmed?
Anne - can you point me to where officers are still under oath to the Constitution after they are out of the service? All my reading suggests it ends at the end of their commission. It was my understanding that when they left their status as civilians means they are free to engage in political activities and express opinions that may have been restricted while on active duty.
As a veteran, who comes from a family of veterans, I can assure you that our Oath never goes away…I strongly believe that now is the time for all good men & women to come to the aid of Our Country…weak men create hard times…these time remind me of encouraging words written by Thomas Paine in late November 1776, during the Continental Army’s darkest hour (The American Crisis)…
Paine wrote, “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 their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”
DL is correct because many Veterans or in the National Guard and can be
called up like my military family and friends during the middle east conflicts.
A military person or Veteran or Citizen has that oath to protect and serve.
Heres the oath "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God"
Hi Thomas. Have you ever recited the Pledge of Allegiance? Does it end with an expiration date?
Yes it is true I am free to do as I please, however, no oaths have an expiration date as far as I, and other former military members, are concerned. We swore an oath. Period. We take it very seriously.
Actually I have recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Again I think you're misinterpreting that officers are still under oath. Not that what you're doing is not honorable - but what you're saying, in my readings, is incorrect. Specifically , the oath is tied to the office they are entering, as evidenced by the phrase "I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter". This suggests that the legal obligation of the oath is directly connected to their active service. Not that you can't do it forever - again - that is commendable. But let's keep things accurate. Anyway, this isn't really a big deal so I'll let it rest.
I guess I should clarify. I said I was an officer so everyone would understand what oath I was talking about. I agree that the oath is connected to the position, but frankly, I don’t know anyone who has served who still doesn’t feel that that oath will always apply to them. Not meaning we will be called back because they can’t do that to me at this point, but meaning taking that oath means you serve this country, forever…in your heart. It will be veterans who will take up arms if it ever comes to that. Civilians are pretty much worthless. They are unmanageable because they have never experienced a command structure, which is critical to an organized offense or defense. Thanks for commenting. I really love the folks on these threads. Makes me think!
So we agree that the Constitution, which calls for the will, approval and consent of the people is our ruling principle, ? It forgets about one thing - just how stupid, lazy, distracted and uncaring most people truly are. If the average dummy on the street had 1/10 the intelligence exhibited on this forum they’d kick out the Commie-Dems and get the GOP back running the show!
So if you wanted bring down a strong moral and democratic republic with a firm religious foundation in Judeo-Christian theology and law , which institutions would you pick away at? 🤔😳
Try that poppycock on someone younger and less educated. Like maybe a 5 year old with a learning disability 😂
The Founding Fathers, especially John Adams, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, understood the importance of religion and virtue in the new American republic. For them, self-governance wasn't just a governance style but reflected the people's moral fiber. Without virtuous citizens, the entire democratic system they envisioned would crumble.
Patrick Henry stressed that "A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom." This suggests society's moral health directly indicates its capacity for self-rule. Corruption and vice would erode the very freedoms governance sought to protect.
Benjamin Franklin succinctly said, "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom." Franklin's words underscore liberty and virtue's intertwined nature, suggesting freedoms can only thrive in a morally upright society.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
~John Adams
George Washington echoed this, remarking, "Virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government." He knew that without a populace grounded in morality, the republic would quickly spiral into tyranny or chaos. He insisted that habits of virtue were as crucial as the checks and balances of government.
James Madison warned against freedom's fragility without virtue. He stated, "To suppose any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without virtue in the people is a chimerical idea." Madison understood that no constitutional design, however ingenious, could substitute for a lack of personal virtue among the citizenry.
Thomas Jefferson emphasized education's role in cultivating virtue. He wrote, "No government can continue good but under the people's control; and … their minds are to be informed by education what is right and wrong; to be encouraged in virtuous habits and deterred from vice." For Jefferson, education was a moral duty to inform citizens so they could responsibly exercise their freedoms.
U.S. citizens fought a war within, the Civil War, and without, WWI and WWII, to protect the right for themselves, and others, to exercise their freedoms. Virtually none of the migrants entering come from a country whose citizens have chosen, or paid, such a price: none in Central or South America, none in Asia except China when invaded, Africa was primarily neutral with a few, such as South Africa, joining the U.S. and a few opposing us. Much of Europe was dragged into the wars with the notable exceptions of Switzerland and Spain, and Italy that opposed freedom.
I read this good article by Mr. Caldwell and I quote "Thomas Jefferson explained why our Constitution determined to limit the power of government, “Any Government,” he wrote, “strong enough to give you what you want, is a Government strong enough to take everything you have.”
The title should have read "Your Rigths Are Going.... Going and Gone"
I have posted her fredqutently and have made some very direct statements that many may wonder
and think "What is Going On Here" he seems to kwow something. Yes unfortunately I do know
alot of "Somethings" and they are all bad. It has to do with what Jefferson said............
"Government strong enough to take everything you have.” And I am talking about the local
So-Called-Leaders of SB that .............will ............ "take everything you have."
That is all about to change because "Public Corruption" sooner or later gets caugth out.
Project 2025 seeks to get rid of no fault divorce, limit or ban contraception, get rid of worker protections (OSHA), destroy protections of clean water and air (EPA). All the attacks on freedom I see are coming from the right at the moment. 10 commandments in every classroom? Doesn't sound like freedom to me. DeSantis and a bunch of other right wing states are banning lab grown meat. Why shouldn't the free market allow us to choose, or does DeSantis know better than the individual what they should choose? Pick a lane and call out the bullsh*t on both sides. Either you want freedom, or you want your particular freedom and values imposed on everyone.
We’re constantly reevaluating our laws and regulations.
A watering pond dug by a rancher is now subject to the Clean Water Act. Overreaching bureaucracy.
Our government should restrict toxic substances from our food and products. Our catsup couldn’t be sold in Europe so Europe has the same brand with different ingredients.
However, you’re right both sides have become corrupted.
I'm all for revaluating our regulations constantly and trying to implement more common sense. I would love to see more sunset clauses across the board. I can give a long list of where the left is wrong, but what I can't stand is blind following. As I said before I don't like Biden, but I think Trump is a narcissist. He practically admitted he did stuff with Epstein. The latest interview where he said he would release everything but the Epstein files have a lot of phony stuff... If the right got back to real conservatism, I would be a cautious ally. Fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, limited and reasonable regulation (don't dump harmful chemicals in our water table, don't exploit workers...) we could have some common ground.
“I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”
I agree that the system of checks and balances within the government is important to our country. Is anybody else concerned about the supreme Court ruling that the president (regardless of who he is) can essentially get away with anything? Admittedly I haven't studied up on the issue, but am concerned by the concept.
Remember folks it is the Big Government "Conservative" element that resisted and demands more government and control. They are the wealth stealers. The "LIBERALS OF 1776" are those who fought the British and created a limited government.
like your comment, but your line of logic assumes that the Uniparty will follow the law…Methinks Obama + HRC will find their way to the top of the ticket…would be great to see the Obamas & Clintons take center stage…
PS, Qurious that Trump warned Joe about the 25th Amendment at a time when it was aimed at him…
Nice article Andy. Freedom as you well articulate isn’t free. Americans have grown complacent to believe that we have a fool-proof set of checks and balances to protect our liberties. Indeed, we have the best system in the world under our Constitution however we are learning the hard way that a small, well-organized, and patient group lie in wait to remove our freedoms systematically. I’m writing from Nicaragua where the people here know exactly what communism, socialism, rigged elections, and tyranny look like. The Nicaraguans see that our government is in trouble because they know exactly how their government was captured and it’s suspiciously similar. They love Trump and look forward to his (3rd) win. By taking back our government from the deep state, we will not only get our country back, but it will help restore these smaller countries who don’t stand a chance if we don’t win this. America First with the understanding that this is truly a battle for all, as our liberty is a shining light of hope for the world.
Q: “What exactly makes the American constitutional system so good?”
for all of our shortcomings, the American constitutional system has yielded what it is widely held as the Greatest Nation in The History of The World…
I hear you Brother, but believe that the Catholic Church has been subsumed by the Deep State…so, very confusing times over these past couple of centuries… 1832 Rothschild loan to the Holy See…
https://dbpedia.org/page/Rothschild_loans_to_the_Holy_See
When does a Church become a business?
When does a Church become political?
When does a Church become corrupt?
When does a Church become willfully blind?
When does a Church become controlled?
List the estimated wealth of religious organizations.
Vatican bank…$229B.
Archbishop Vigano, who communicates with Trump, seems to understand…
https://x.com/jackstr42679640/status/1809263871430897722?s=61
PS, Archbishop Vigano has been summoned to the Vatican…let’s see what happens… https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-arch-enemy-archbishop-guilty-excommunicated-rcna160524
I trust what Archbishop Vigano has to say…seems to be over the target…
https://www.catholic.org/news/hf/family/story.php?id=84789
You’re right, our government, elected representatives and it’s citizens are corrupting our Constitution.
We aren’t the first high culture to self destruct through over zealous bureaucrats, corrupt courts and officials, a debased society etc.
Terrific column. Thanks, Andy. I keep hearing from people who say they're terrified about Trump taking away democracy if he's elected and when I ask them what he did during his four years that indicated this, they just regurgitate Rachel Maddow. I've come to the conclusion they're not at all afraid of democracy being taken away. If they were, they'd be out on the streets protesting the way their CA governor has already taken away democracy. I think what these people fear is democracy itself. They'd much rather live in a highly regulated and enforced world which makes them feel safe. Trump is not a dictator, he's an old style Constitutional leader who believes Americans have it in them to be adults. That's his real crime with all these TDS “liberals” because they'd rather remain children forever.
As a former officer is the U. S. Army, I’m still under oath. I swore to protect our Constitution against ALL enemies, foreign or domestic. There are 10s of millions like me. Why do you think they want us disarmed?
Anne - can you point me to where officers are still under oath to the Constitution after they are out of the service? All my reading suggests it ends at the end of their commission. It was my understanding that when they left their status as civilians means they are free to engage in political activities and express opinions that may have been restricted while on active duty.
As a veteran, who comes from a family of veterans, I can assure you that our Oath never goes away…I strongly believe that now is the time for all good men & women to come to the aid of Our Country…weak men create hard times…these time remind me of encouraging words written by Thomas Paine in late November 1776, during the Continental Army’s darkest hour (The American Crisis)…
Paine wrote, “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 their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”
https://www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/summer-soldiers-and-sunshine-patriots-american-crisis
DL is correct because many Veterans or in the National Guard and can be
called up like my military family and friends during the middle east conflicts.
A military person or Veteran or Citizen has that oath to protect and serve.
Heres the oath "I hereby declare, on oath, that I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen; that I will support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform noncombatant service in the Armed Forces of the United States when required by the law; that I will perform work of national importance under civilian direction when required by the law; and that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; so help me God"
Howard, member of a Military Family
I don’t remember this oath. It was much simpler.
Hello Anne that one of the "Oaths" I found however
there are around 4 to 5 of them.
H
Hi Thomas. Have you ever recited the Pledge of Allegiance? Does it end with an expiration date?
Yes it is true I am free to do as I please, however, no oaths have an expiration date as far as I, and other former military members, are concerned. We swore an oath. Period. We take it very seriously.
Actually I have recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Again I think you're misinterpreting that officers are still under oath. Not that what you're doing is not honorable - but what you're saying, in my readings, is incorrect. Specifically , the oath is tied to the office they are entering, as evidenced by the phrase "I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter". This suggests that the legal obligation of the oath is directly connected to their active service. Not that you can't do it forever - again - that is commendable. But let's keep things accurate. Anyway, this isn't really a big deal so I'll let it rest.
I guess I should clarify. I said I was an officer so everyone would understand what oath I was talking about. I agree that the oath is connected to the position, but frankly, I don’t know anyone who has served who still doesn’t feel that that oath will always apply to them. Not meaning we will be called back because they can’t do that to me at this point, but meaning taking that oath means you serve this country, forever…in your heart. It will be veterans who will take up arms if it ever comes to that. Civilians are pretty much worthless. They are unmanageable because they have never experienced a command structure, which is critical to an organized offense or defense. Thanks for commenting. I really love the folks on these threads. Makes me think!
I believe this is the oath we swore. I was a Warrant Officer. Same oath as commissioned.
I, _____, having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indi-
cated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support
and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign or
domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obli-
gation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will
well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter;
So help me God.” (DA Form 71, 1 August 1959, for officers.)
Well written piece.
So we agree that the Constitution, which calls for the will, approval and consent of the people is our ruling principle, ? It forgets about one thing - just how stupid, lazy, distracted and uncaring most people truly are. If the average dummy on the street had 1/10 the intelligence exhibited on this forum they’d kick out the Commie-Dems and get the GOP back running the show!
"Commie-Dems". How intelligent. So 1/10 of that is where on the scale?
So if you wanted bring down a strong moral and democratic republic with a firm religious foundation in Judeo-Christian theology and law , which institutions would you pick away at? 🤔😳
Try that poppycock on someone younger and less educated. Like maybe a 5 year old with a learning disability 😂
The Founding Fathers, especially John Adams, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson, understood the importance of religion and virtue in the new American republic. For them, self-governance wasn't just a governance style but reflected the people's moral fiber. Without virtuous citizens, the entire democratic system they envisioned would crumble.
Patrick Henry stressed that "A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience, is incompatible with freedom." This suggests society's moral health directly indicates its capacity for self-rule. Corruption and vice would erode the very freedoms governance sought to protect.
Benjamin Franklin succinctly said, "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom." Franklin's words underscore liberty and virtue's intertwined nature, suggesting freedoms can only thrive in a morally upright society.
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
~John Adams
George Washington echoed this, remarking, "Virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government." He knew that without a populace grounded in morality, the republic would quickly spiral into tyranny or chaos. He insisted that habits of virtue were as crucial as the checks and balances of government.
James Madison warned against freedom's fragility without virtue. He stated, "To suppose any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without virtue in the people is a chimerical idea." Madison understood that no constitutional design, however ingenious, could substitute for a lack of personal virtue among the citizenry.
Thomas Jefferson emphasized education's role in cultivating virtue. He wrote, "No government can continue good but under the people's control; and … their minds are to be informed by education what is right and wrong; to be encouraged in virtuous habits and deterred from vice." For Jefferson, education was a moral duty to inform citizens so they could responsibly exercise their freedoms.
And I was going to lead my retort with “Jane, you ignorant slut!” 😂
But I thought most here wouldn’t get the reference…
Sorry, my family fled the USSR to escape communist propaganda and athiest bs so I have 0 tolerance for it.
And even less for moral relativism.
Good day, Jane! 😃
U.S. citizens fought a war within, the Civil War, and without, WWI and WWII, to protect the right for themselves, and others, to exercise their freedoms. Virtually none of the migrants entering come from a country whose citizens have chosen, or paid, such a price: none in Central or South America, none in Asia except China when invaded, Africa was primarily neutral with a few, such as South Africa, joining the U.S. and a few opposing us. Much of Europe was dragged into the wars with the notable exceptions of Switzerland and Spain, and Italy that opposed freedom.
That is what our Constitution is all about.
I read this good article by Mr. Caldwell and I quote "Thomas Jefferson explained why our Constitution determined to limit the power of government, “Any Government,” he wrote, “strong enough to give you what you want, is a Government strong enough to take everything you have.”
The title should have read "Your Rigths Are Going.... Going and Gone"
I have posted her fredqutently and have made some very direct statements that many may wonder
and think "What is Going On Here" he seems to kwow something. Yes unfortunately I do know
alot of "Somethings" and they are all bad. It has to do with what Jefferson said............
"Government strong enough to take everything you have.” And I am talking about the local
So-Called-Leaders of SB that .............will ............ "take everything you have."
That is all about to change because "Public Corruption" sooner or later gets caugth out.
Howard Walther, member of a Military Family.
Thomas Jefferson did NOT write that. As if the very un-Jeffersonian phrasing weren't enough of a tip-off, you can easily find with a Google search that the earliest known appearance of the quote is the 1950s, and it wasn’t attributed to Jefferson until 2005. What’s my source? The people who study Jefferson’s writings at Monticello: https://www.monticello.org/research-education/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia/government-big-enough-give-you-everything-you-wantspurious-quotation/
Project 2025 seeks to get rid of no fault divorce, limit or ban contraception, get rid of worker protections (OSHA), destroy protections of clean water and air (EPA). All the attacks on freedom I see are coming from the right at the moment. 10 commandments in every classroom? Doesn't sound like freedom to me. DeSantis and a bunch of other right wing states are banning lab grown meat. Why shouldn't the free market allow us to choose, or does DeSantis know better than the individual what they should choose? Pick a lane and call out the bullsh*t on both sides. Either you want freedom, or you want your particular freedom and values imposed on everyone.
Oh Justin,
We’re constantly reevaluating our laws and regulations.
A watering pond dug by a rancher is now subject to the Clean Water Act. Overreaching bureaucracy.
Our government should restrict toxic substances from our food and products. Our catsup couldn’t be sold in Europe so Europe has the same brand with different ingredients.
However, you’re right both sides have become corrupted.
I'm all for revaluating our regulations constantly and trying to implement more common sense. I would love to see more sunset clauses across the board. I can give a long list of where the left is wrong, but what I can't stand is blind following. As I said before I don't like Biden, but I think Trump is a narcissist. He practically admitted he did stuff with Epstein. The latest interview where he said he would release everything but the Epstein files have a lot of phony stuff... If the right got back to real conservatism, I would be a cautious ally. Fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, limited and reasonable regulation (don't dump harmful chemicals in our water table, don't exploit workers...) we could have some common ground.
Protect 2025 is The Heritage Foundation. Nothing to do with Trump. He has his own agenda.
Trump has publicly refuted Project 2025…
“I know nothing about Project 2025. I have no idea who is behind it. I disagree with some of the things they’re saying and some of the things they’re saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.”
I agree that the system of checks and balances within the government is important to our country. Is anybody else concerned about the supreme Court ruling that the president (regardless of who he is) can essentially get away with anything? Admittedly I haven't studied up on the issue, but am concerned by the concept.
It will be interesting to look back in 20 years and see if we're developing the king that we rebelled against 250 years ago.
🤔 interesting. Thank you for the reply.
Remember folks it is the Big Government "Conservative" element that resisted and demands more government and control. They are the wealth stealers. The "LIBERALS OF 1776" are those who fought the British and created a limited government.
Don't like it? There is always Canada.
like your comment, but your line of logic assumes that the Uniparty will follow the law…Methinks Obama + HRC will find their way to the top of the ticket…would be great to see the Obamas & Clintons take center stage…
PS, Qurious that Trump warned Joe about the 25th Amendment at a time when it was aimed at him…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGqCytBxN9Q