Transparency

I feel like the first step of this blog needs to be making everyone aware of my stance in life. The two most important things in this world for me are my family and my relationship with God. I truly believe that if you focus on these two things, all the rest will take care of itself. Not far behind these is a belief in and passion for this great country.

I just returned from a trip to Washington DC where I had the opportunity to expand my knowledge and reflect upon what this country is all about. I found a few specific attractions to be quite inspirational. Arlington Cemetery, where I was privileged to witness the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The National Archives, where the beginnings of this great country become quite tangible. The Lincoln Memorial, which has to be my favorite. I remember visiting the memorial for the first time when I was 16-years-old. I have a very vivid memory of my father, standing inside the memorial as the warm glow of the sunset shone in on him, reading those profound words, and watching tears roll down his cheeks. I never grasped why that was, but this time, standing there in the shadow of Lincoln's statue, reading those inspired words, I understood what had moved my father to tears, as it did the same to me. Those words force you to remember what this country should represent. Lincoln believed we were better than slavery. He believed the country needed to stand for higher values – and I still believe that today.

My upbringing and my religion undoubtedly shaped my beliefs, and for the most part I consider myself to be a Republican. However, for the past few years, I feel I have really come into my own as far as my political beliefs.

Is there such a thing as a Constitutionalist? Personally that just translates into a desire for this country to return to its roots – the things the United States was founded upon. The forefathers of the United States have never looked as intelligent as they do now. What ever happened to men like George Washington, who handed over power to the people when his control and influence was at its peak? He knew that there was a higher power at work than him. Can we say that today? I believe that men like Washington and Lincoln were in fact inspired by God, and therefore strongly believe that the country should remain centered on God. None of this removing “In God We Trust” from our currency, that’s blasphemous. Indeed, regardless of religion, in God we should trust.

This country needs to honor its forefathers, instead of stepping on the great progress they have made after all these years.