The View From 1776

Kay Hymowitz’s recent article in City Journal paints a dispiriting picture of America’s young men as hedonistic, selfish loners unwilling to assume the commitment and responsibility of marriage and raising children.

Quote:

Not so long ago, the average mid-twentysomething had achieved most of adulthood’s milestones—high school degree, financial independence, marriage, and children...Single Young Males, or SYMs, by contrast, often seem to hang out in a playground of drinking, hooking up, playing Halo 3, and, in many cases, underachieving. With them, adulthood looks as though it’s receding.

Maggie’s Farm points us to a less pessimistic assessment on ShrinkWrapped

Whatever the extent of social infantilism (defined as unwillingness or inability to deal with life on the level of adult responsibility), there is no denying that the phenomenon exists. 

The Baby Boomer generation have manifestly different conceptions of their roles and responsibilities than did their parents or grandparents as recently as the 1950s.  And the conceptions of the 1950s were those upon which our nation grew and prospered during the preceding 345 years. 

Since the late 1960s we have witnessed the greatest surge in history of illegitimate births and single-parent families, along with acceptance of divorce as the norm.

Timing of the change in paradigm can be fixed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, coincident with the riots and classroom sit-ins at our colleges and universities.  Those were the years when callow youth declared that traditions of Western civilization were irrelevant.  Those students, exemplified by Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and their criminally violent offshoot Weatherman, declared that they knew better than their teachers what they needed to know and demanded conversion of colleges and universities into socialistic indoctrination madrassas.

The coincidental feminist movement presented the paradigm of women who didn’t need men and saw marriage as an impediment to self-fullfilment.  With it came the apotheosis of sexual promiscuity as the ultimate purpose of society.

Young men’s avoidance of commitment and disintegration of traditional families was not far behind.  With feminists seeming to encourage it, “love ‘em and leave ‘em” became acceptable conduct.

Everyone, from the Fed to Congress and the White House, is focused upon injecting liquidity into the economy to paper over the credit difficulties besetting the banking business and homeowners.

They are deceiving themselves and exacerbating the problem.

Jim Grant, in a New York Times op-ed article, sums it up admirably well.

The devastating stagflation of the 1970s gave us the highest rates of inflation in the nation’s history, coupled with high unemployment.  The cause was Presidents Johnson and Nixon opening the Federal deficit-spending spigot for the liberal-progressive Great Society in the mid-1960s and keeping it open into the 1970s.

As gasoline prices soared to compensate for inflation, President Nixon imposed price controls in 1971.  President Carter left them in place. 

We got record-high gasoline prices and shortages of gasoline.  People were compelled to sit in sometimes hours-long lines at gasoline filling stations, hoping to reach the pumps before the station ran out of gasoline.

Not until President Reagan took office in 1981 were price controls lifted.  The Federal Reserve, with Reagan’s backing, curtailed the money supply and finally halted inflation.  That brought world oil prices back down and ended our gasoline shortage.

The message is that oil prices go both ways: up and down.

For the past couple of years we have endured a somewhat similar surge in oil and gasoline prices, induced this time by inflation and dollar devaluation, together with growing demand in China and other Asian markets and the threat of Al Queda and Iranian terrorism in the Middle East oil production territory.

Russia, as a major oil producer and exporter, has enjoyed a resurgent economy, supported hugely by high prices and high demand for oil.  The danger is that, when oil prices next collapse, Russia’s economy may crater.  If that happens, there could be a return to the iron-handed dictatorship of the Soviet era.

In that regard, read City Journal’s review of Collapse of an Empire: Lessons for Modern Russia, by Yegor Gaidar.

The Power Of Praise And Prayer
 By Marie Jon’

When led by God’s Holy Spirit, the power of praise and prayer are mighty forces in one’s personal life as well as a nation. Tears can turn into joy, because the Lord gives the soul courage to change and stand upright before Him.


In the midst of a loud clamoring world, too often we refuse to hear God’s still small voice. We need to stop and listen. We are not children to be tossed to and fro by fear. Rather, we are to become doers of His word. We can rejoice.



We have good reason to fear with the looming negativity closing in on us daily. However, fear can be good emotion, if used for our advantage. Fear can embolden people while giving courage to protect and stand their ground. It can bring us to our knees, drawing us closer to God. “Draw Nigh Unto God and He Will Draw Nigh Unto You.” (James 4:8).



Who ever thought in this day and age we would be threatened by radical Islam, or worried about the world actually being blown up by man’s own folly. It is a fact that in the hands of tyrannical dictators, nuclear power could wipe out this planet in a matter of hours. We have never faced this type of calamity before. The fact that Iran or other derelict countries could wipe out this entire world, gives one time to pause and think.



Center for Defense Information:



"The eight countries with known nuclear weapons have among them about 30,000 warheads, enough to destroy all human life on earth 50 times over in less than an hour.”



Biblical Prophecy:



"The time has come for destroying those who destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:18



Since life is so fleeting and frail, we should ask ourselves: where do they stand with a loving God? Have we reached the breaking point when we will soon enter the period of the Great Tribulation? The Bible tells of the time when man’s heart would fail because of such horribly strange and fearful sights.



Although many people do not want to believe that the end of time is nearing, it will eventually happen. Those who love the Lord understand that the Second Coming is a joyous inevitability. It will be the end to a fallen wicked world as we know it.



Every Christian has an obligation to understand and acknowledge His coming. It is written. We do not know the day or the hour; still we are to be prepared. We must finish the work of the Great Commission quickly. He said: “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel to every nation ? and then shall the end come. The Lord asked us to go preach the gospel.” (Matthew 24:4-14)



"And I saw another angel flying in midheaven, having an eternal gospel to preach to those who live on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” (Revelations 14:6)



The body of Christ (The Church) needs to attest that the Lord is preparing for us a better place, where real peace will be forever lasting. Not the peace that this troubled world understands. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” (John 14:27)



If only mankind would look without disbelief at the cross of Calvary, their minds would not be as a drifting ship. Our world is in great turmoil spiritually, while poised to be destroyed by man’s evil doing. It appears that, unfortunately, there are no more human answers or interventions to put an end to the ongoing extreme anger, fighting and strife emulating from all parts of the world. Our own nation is at its political endroads of division. Hostility is rampant among those who seek power at any price.



There are two roads of ideology that this country can walk down. One road leads to a continual freedom. The other road leads to despotism and growth of a Leftist Marxist Socialistic order. Once the latter happens, it will be almost impossible to correct.



There is no good news to shout about, except the Good News of a Savior who longs and awaits to take His children home. For it is that in the worst of times that the power of praise and prayer is so desperately needed. “In all things, give praise.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)



Jesus wants us to read Revelation so much that it is the only book in the Bible with a blessing. To begin the Focus on Prophecy lessons online, simply click here. When you fill out an answer sheet, your personal Bible instructor will e-mail you information on how to continue on to the next lesson. There are other wonderful Bible study plans to select from on http://www.DrawingClose.org a sister website to RenewAmerica.

Marie Jon’ is a political/religious-based writer. She is the founder of http://www.DrawingClose.org/ a sister website to RenewAmerica. Marie extends her hand of welcome. Come visit her website and receive your free gift of salvation by taking an on line Bible study. She personally invites you to join Christians from all over the world by becoming a free member of GOD Fellowship http://www.gofellowship.com/ The site is a nondenominational gathering of believers.

Posse Comitatus in America
By Melanie K. Wooten

The phrase “posse comitatus” is Latin and translates as “posse of the county”.  In the common law it was defined as:

The power or force of the county.  The entire population of a county above the age of fifteen, which a sheriff may summon to his assistance in certain cases, as to aid him in keeping the peace, in pursuing and arresting felons, etc.— BLACK’S LAW DICTIONARY 1162 (6th ed.  1990).

The British historically used their military to assist the civil authorities in times of riot or other large or unusual circumstances when additional manpower was needed.  When the American colonists began to openly disobey tax and customs laws, the British authorities sought assistance from their military forces to enforce law.  Naval vessels were used to catch smugglers at sea, and the army to conduct operations on shore.

A number of the colonists’ complaints are reflected in the Declaration of Independence, and corrected by provisions in the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

Constitution, Article I, Section 8 [Congress has power to declare war, raise armies, etc.]

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

Constitution, Articles I and II [Congressional power to raise, govern and pay for an army and navy; President as Commander in Chief; Writ of Habeas Corpus may only be suspended in times of rebellion or invasion (i.e.  Courts can free people held by the military)]

Amendment V [Grand Jury indictment in criminal cases except when serving in the armed forces --- effectively limits citizens being subject to martial law or a military courts-martial].

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

Constitution, Amendment III.  [No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.]

Although Americans did not like the idea of soldiers enforcing the law, it is not prohibited by the Constitution.  The militia has always been a source of manpower for the states to use in times of trouble.  The regular army was used a number of times to enforce the civil law:

1787 Shays Rebellion Massachusetts

1794 Whiskey Rebellion Pennsylvania.

1807 Congress declares the army the enforcer of federal law.

1846 Anti-Catholic Riots in Philadelphia.

1850s "Bloody Kansas” Battles between Free-Staters and pro-slavery forces.

1854 U.S.  Attorney General Caleb Cushing issues an opinion stating that all citizens, including soldiers, are subject to the call of federal authorities as a posse comitatus.  The Army and Navy were then used to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act, and return escaped slaves to their owners.

1859 U.S. Marines under Army Colonel Robert E.  Lee capture John Brown at the Harpers Ferry Arsenal.  Brown was turned over to Virginia authorities, tried, and hanged.

1861 1863 - Draft Riots in New York City were put down by troops fresh from the Battle of Gettysburg.

1865 to 1877 - Reconstruction and occupation of the defeated South.

It was the election of 1876 that led to passage of the Posse Comitatus Act.  Rutherford Hayes won the Presidency by only one electoral vote.  Hayes got the electoral college votes in highly disputed elections in three southern states.  President Ulysses S.  Grant had sent federal troops to assist officials in those states as a posse comitatus to supervise the election.

Posse Comitatus Act of 1878

“Whoever, except in cases and under circumstances expressly authorized by the Constitution or Act of Congress, willfully uses any part of the Army or Air Force as a posse comitatus or otherwise to execute the laws shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both.” 18 U.S.C.1385.

Obviously, the original 1878 Act did not mention the Air Force.  Note that the Act does not apply to the Navy, the Marine Corps, or the Coast Guard.  Department of Defense policy and regulations subject the Navy and the Marine Corps to the same posse comitatus restrictions imposed on the Army and Air Force.  The Coast Guard is authorized by law to enforce various federal laws, and can and does routinely make arrests and otherwise enforce the civil law.

Current Posse Comitatus Act Issues

One thing to keep in mind is the difference between the National Guard, the Reserves, and Regular forces.  The National Guard is a state entity, albeit federally funded in large part.  The Posse Comitatus Act (PCA) does not apply to the National Guard when acting as a state organization.  A governor can use the National Guard to control riots.  However, if the National Guard is “federalized” - called into federal service - the PCA would apply.  The Reserve and Regular components of the armed forces are always federal and are always subject to the PCA and implementing regulations.

The PCA has a number of exceptions created by subsequent legislation.  The first allows passive assistance to civilian law enforcement authorities - equipment, supplies, training, information, and technical assistance.  The Congress has also passed a number of laws specifically authorizing the military to enforce certain laws.

The majority of these exceptions will not impact the ordinary citizen.  However, the military is authorized to serve warrants in civil rights cases where state officials refuse to act.

The official U.S. position is that the Constitution specifically authorizes use of military forces:

• "to prevent loss of life or wanton destruction of property and to restore governmental functioning and public order when sudden and unexpected civil disturbances, disaster, or calamities seriously endanger life and property and disrupt normal governmental functions to such an extent that duly constituted local authorities are unable to control the situation.”

• "to protect Federal property and Federal Government functions when the need for protection exists and duly constituted local authorities are unable or decline to provide adequate protection.” DOD Directive 5525.

The Congress has also expanded the military role in the war on drugs by placing the Department of Defense in charge of the detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs into the United States, including its possessions, territories and commonwealths.  DoD is further tasked with integrating the command, control, communications and technical intelligence assets of the United States that are dedicated to the interdiction of illegal drugs into an effective communications network.

Read Tim Swanson’s Where Does Most of That Money Go? on the Mises.org website.

For an earlier take on the same phenomenon, see

Reprising the Critique of G8 Anti-Poverty Aid

G8 Socialist Gospel

African Poverty: What to Do?

Visit MoveOff Network Members

Sunday’s sermon at Black Rock-Long Ridge Congregational Church (North Stamford, Connecticut) was preached by Pastor Josh Feay.

His message was that worship is realizing Who God is and giving thanks for what He does for us.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1)

Worship is more than the physical trappings of attending church services – music and a beautiful sanctuary.

However much joy we may have in these things, they don’t evoke in us the spontaneous awe that overcame a doubting Thomas, suddenly realizing that he stood in the presence of God:

Then [Jesus] said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:27-28)

None of this is to say that coming together in church services, participating thereby in the body of Christ that is His kingdom on earth, is not important.  We all know that mutual support, through church services, Bible study groups, and the countless community service and support groups in our churches, are essential aids to keep us on the right path in our walk with God.

But the danger is that we may come to worship these things and lose sight of God, the Creator of the cosmos, the source of life itself, the spiritual substance of the the universe we inhabit.

Worshipping God in reverence, awe, and thankfulness should be a part of our daily lives, wherever we are.

Speaking to the Samaritan woman he encountered at a well in Samaria, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph:

Jesus declared, “Believe me, woman, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.  You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.  Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.  God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:21-24)

Waving Goodbye to Hegemony, by Parag Khanna, appears in the current issue of the New York Times Sunday Magazine.

The article’s writer is a senior research fellow in the New America Foundation, a center-left to far-left think tank.  But don’t let that deter you from reading and pondering his insights.

The article raises issues and outlines a realignment of world geo-political forces that threaten America’s future. 

Among other things, by inference, it raises profound doubts about the suitability of any of the Democratic Party candidates to deal effectively with a hostile world driven by real economic, political, and military interests.  The reality described by Parag Khanna has no connection with liberal-progressive fantasies about a make-nice diplomatic world governed by the UN and the socialist religious dogma of social justice (i.e., redistributing Western wealth to the poorer countries of the world).

Among other thing, he recognizes that the issues at stake are economic: the competition for control of long-range strategic natural resources, capital, and markets.  He also notes that the Pentagon’s structural organization and its geographic divisions of world power are more in line with those of China and the EU than are those of the State Department.  Accordingly, he recommends bypassing the State Department and transferring management of foreign affairs to the Pentagon.

Finally, unlike Democratic Party presidential candidates, the writer calls for an increased role of American business in the process of rebuilding our foreign policy to counter the rising strength of China and the EU.

In an op-ed article in the January 25 edition of the Wall Street Journal, Arthur B. Laffer reviews the statistics on results of changes in income tax rates.  A few quotations:

But missing from the discussion are the huge differences in how the top 1% of income earners respond to changes in tax rates versus, say, the bottom 75% or 80% of taxpayers—the so-called middle class and lowest income groups. The “rich” quite simply are not like the rest of us…

Some 99% of all taxpayers paid taxes at the 10% rate in 2005, for example. Yet only 25% of all taxpayers had 10% as their marginal tax rate. Thus a cut in the 10% tax rate would have a supply-side impact on a relatively small portion of all those who pay the 10% rate—while for the rest who pay the 10% rate, a tax cut would result in a deadweight revenue loss.

On these grounds alone one should expect a greater supply-side response with a change in the highest tax rate than any other tax rate.

In addition, low-income earners have a lot less flexibility to change the form, timing and location of their income—and the avenues open to them to reduce their tax liabilities are far fewer. The avenues open to higher-income and highest-income earners include 401(k)s, IRAs, Keogh plans, itemized deductions, lifetime gifts, charitable gifts, all sorts of deferred income compensation plans, trusts, tax free bonds, etc…

Academicians and politicians have finally come to understand that it’s the after-tax rate of return that determines people’s behavior. Even though statutory tax rates are far lower today than they were when, say, Kennedy or Reagan took office, it is still very true that for every dollar of static revenue change there is a much larger incentive affect in the highest tax bracket than in the lowest tax bracket.
But what actually happens to tax receipts by income tax bracket when tax rates change?

Since 1980, statutory marginal tax rates have fallen dramatically. The highest marginal income tax rate in 1980 was 70%. Today it is 35%. In the year Ronald Reagan took office (1981) the top 1% of income earners paid 17.58% of all federal income taxes. Twenty-five years later, in 2005, the top 1% paid 39.38% of all income taxes.

There are other ways of looking at tax receipts by income bracket. From 1981 to 2005, the income taxes paid by the top 1% rose to 2.96% of GDP, from 1.59% of GDP. There was also a huge absolute increase in real tax dollars paid by this group. In 1981, the total taxes paid in 2005 dollars by the top 1% of income earners was $94.84 billion. In 2005 it was $368.13 billion....

Over the last 25 years, the bottom 75% of all taxpayers’ tax payments fell and their tax rates fell. This is the group the Democrats are targeting for tax cuts…

Using recent data, in other words, it would appear on its face that the Democratic proposal to raise taxes on the upper-income earners, and lower taxes on the middle- and lower- income earners, will result in huge revenue losses on both accounts. But some academic advisers to Democratic candidates have a hard time understanding the obvious, devising outlandish theories as to why things are different now. Well they aren’t!

In the 1920s, the highest federal marginal income tax rate fell to 24% from 78%. Those people who earned over $100,000 had their share of total taxes paid rise—from 29.9% in 1920 to 48.8% in 1925, and then to 62.2% in 1929. There was no inflation over this period.

With the Kennedy tax cuts of the 1960s, when the highest tax rate fell from to 70% from 91%, the story was the same. When you cut the highest tax rates on the highest-income earners, government gets more money from them, and when you cut tax rates on the middle and lower income earners, the government gets less money from them…

Mark my words: If the Democrats succeed in implementing their plan to tax the rich and cut taxes on the middle and lower income earners, this country will experience a fiscal crisis of serious proportions that will last for years and years until a new Harding, Kennedy or Reagan comes along.