WERE THE FOUNDING FATHERS GOOD CHRISTIAN MEN?

Founding Fathers

Just weeks ago while doing some research I came across one Thomas Paine. Much to my surprise, I was fascinated that this moderate and some - what unsuccessful man finally found his passion in life. Thomas Paine went on to write one of the most read literary works of all time, Common Sense. I was so interested in his story that I wrote an article about him.[See Article] He[Paine] and his work Common Sense has been credited as being one of the jump-starts to the American Revolution. In fact, the writings of Thomas Paine in Common Sense created the model for which sculpted the Declaration of Independence. 

Thomas Paine wrote in Common Sense.

Thomas Paine

        "... Nothing can settle our affairs so expeditiously as an open and determined declaration for independence."     

What is so interesting is at the time of his writing this pamphlet Thomas Paine was an immigrant. He was not an American citizen. He was an Englishmen, who Benjamin Franklin sponsored to America.  The reason I identify with Paine cause he was a writer but a " jack of all trades," who until he was able to write he was a lost man. He had failed at just about every endeavor he undertook. However, Ben Franklin, who was a printer, loved Paine's writing style and encouraged him to write Common Sense. Putting things into perspective from a literary standpoint Thomas Paine contribution to the American Revolution was equal to that of George Washington. It was Thomas Paine who coined the phrase " Untied States of America." So, with all this said, why has American history marginalized Thomas Paine?  The short answer, after the revolution Thomas Paine, published his feeling about Christianity and the Bible.

In Paine's literary work, " Age of Reason," he wrote:

" When I see through the greater parts of this book[The Bible] scarcely anything but a history of the grossest vices... and collection of the most paltry and contemptible tales..." 

Many historians and people of the time's claimed Thomas Paine was an atheist, but; his defenders say he believed in a God but not the one in the King James translation of the Bible. What is painful and powerful here is that Thomas Paine, a champion of the American Revolution. That many of the founding fathers themselves give equal credit for the success thereof would not be considered a Christian by the likes of modern day politicians like Rick Santorum and Texas Governor Rick Perry.

Thomas Paine went on to write that he did not believe in the creed professed by any church that he knew. According to Thomas Paine, his mind was his church.[See Source] Furthermore, Thomas Paine made it clear that he detested the Bible. In fact, Thomas Paine utterly denounced Christianity. He [Paine] called Christianity a " fable and fraud." This publication the 'Age of Reason,' sold thousands of copies. And, clearly shows that one of America's founding fathers was not a good Christian man. 

What The F_ _K Is Up With These Oathkeepers?

Oathkeepers Defenders Of The Constitution, MY ASS! 

According to credible sources, Kentucky Clerk and the newest Christian Right Saint Kim Davis goes back to work on Monday What's up in the air will she issue a same-sex marriage license if the situation arises. If not, she could be arrested and thrown right back in jail.

Stewart Rhoades Oathkeepers Founder 

According to the self-proclaimed defenders of the Constitution the "Oathkeepers" that's not going to happen. The Oathkeepers listed by the Southern Poverty Law Center are a "Radical Right Wing Hate Group." The group's leader Stewart Rhoades stated they will be there to protect her from what he calls a tyrannical government imposing its will on an American citizen. Rhoades Stated:

"We believe Federal District Court Judge David Bunning grossly overstepped his bounds and violated Mrs. Davis’ due process rights, and, in particular, her right to a jury trial. This judge has assumed unto himself not just the powers of all three branches of government, but has also taken on the powers of judge, jury, and “executioner.”

Rhoades added.

"What matters to us is not whether you agree with her position on gay marriage or her decision to not issue marriage licenses. What matters is that the judge is violating the Constitution in his anger and desire to punish her for going against his will."[See Source]

First and only point the contention by this group's leader that the Judge overstepped his authority and did not offer Kim Davis due process of law is complete "bull-crap." Anyone who believes this to be true doesn't know a single thing about the law whatsoever. A law was passed allowing "same-sex marriage" and as an elected official Kim Davis has to carry out the law of the land whether she likes it or not. The mere act of not doing so is not only contempt of a judge's court order it's a violation of oath of an elected official to carry out the laws of the land. Guess what? God's law or theocratic law does not have one single thing to do with secular law period. So, the Oathkeepers position that the judges order was improper just makes clear that the group's leader maybe a lawyer he doesn't know what he is talking about period. 

The Real Question Is Do The Oathkeepers Pose A Threat To "We The People" Who Believe They Are A Hate Group And Full Of  S_ _T?

President Obama

One of the most troubling developments over the last several years has been the rise of the " Right-Wing Militia Movement." Memberships in so-called " Patriot Groups" has sky-rocketed since the election of America's first person of color to the White House.  Both Homeland Security and the Southern Poverty Law Center warned us back in 2009 to expect this rise in " Hate Groups'" in America. We saw back in the Spring of 2014 this reality when a cattle rancher in Nevada, who had been stealing from the taxpayers being brought to justice. And, these people, headed up mostly by the very same " Oathkeepers" pointing rifles and other firearms at law enforcement officials tasked to bring him to justice. 

Go Bernie Go Hoodie $40 ( Free Shipping)

The Oathkeepers was founded in 2009. They claim to be non-partisan. They are mostly made up of former and current law enforcement personnel. Their mantra is they're needed to defend the Constitution. However, the Southern Poverty Law Center disagrees.  So, what is the real agenda of the Oathkeepers? No matter your feeling if the Southern Poverty Law Center is legit or not there are some common sense issues surrounding the Oathkeepers and other Right Wing groups that elevate themselves as protectors of We The People.

Far right-wing groups have and do pose a threat to the security of our nation. The Oathkeepers are nothing more than a water downed version of the Sovereign Citizen Movement. Americans have been inundated with Fox News and Right-Wing Talk Radio about the Muslim are going to take over America. How Obama going to take our guns and put us all in FEMA camps. The fear-mongering has been unprecedented.

However, a recent study shows groups we need to fear the most are not ISIS or minorities but, in fact, homegrown "Domestic Terrorist."[See Study Results] 

There were several law enforcement agencies who participated in this study and the overwhelming response to the inquiry was the Sovereign Citizen Movement posed the biggest threat to both law enforcement and public safety. 

Who Are The Sovereign Citizens?

Not unlike the Sovereign Citizen Movement the "Oathkeepers" tend to predetermine what is the law of the land and cherry pick the law they will accept and not accept. The bottom line is there are laws both on the federal and state level that forbid citizens from taking the law into their hands. The Oathkeepers have stuck their busybody noses in places it does not belong from Cliven Bundy, Ferguson, and now the " Kim Davis Affair." Their involvement in these events and others has only enhanced the danger and lessen the security. Their actions are not a problem solver but, in fact, a problem creator. But what they are not is defenders of the Constitution they claim they are but instead overgrown children with a desire to "Play Army" and "Obstructors of Justice."

Unholy Alliance, Putin and The Christian Right

Vladimir Putin 

In this writer's mind, there is no greater example of old-school Cold War  KGB than current Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Most Americans have a negative view of Russia and Vladimir Putin. However, our research here in the House of Public Discourse has found among  the Christian Right, Zealots, Extremist, and the Tea Party his popularity is on the rise. There has been some mild reporting on this growing alliance but not much. I think it fair to inspect the motives here. What are these people up to? Where's their end game?  There needs to be an explanation. 

Unholy Alliance, Putin and The Christian Right

Over the last several years, there has been a strange shift in Putin's popularity with the American Right. They seem to love him now. Ole Joe McCarthy and the John Birch Society folks are turning over in their graves right about this second. Remember Mitt Romney called Russia our greatest geopolitical rival and was all so quick to point out Putin's illustrious KGB career. What's one " hell of a note," not from the American Left but the American Right.

Noted Right Wing Mouthpiece Pat Buchanan has gone as far to say Putin's got GOD on his side.

Buchanan has been loud with his praise of Putin's  anti-gay laws that most in Russia call propaganda laws. However, there is a larger tie in here. There's no question the American Right is going to praise the authoritarian, anti-equality, and Pro Christian policies of Putin. Dominionism!

Pat Buchanan is not a minority voice in the Republic Party. These people want to change the government to a Theocracy so bad it boggles the mind. This is important. These type alliances do matter because gone unchecked can influence policy for a few that oppresses the many. As we reported from Ramblin Rose, the President has beefed up his Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships with the understanding  this focus is both a national and global one.  There needs to be an active eye kept on this activity. [See Article]

Putin was correct to call the United States a “godless” country:

We published an article  Is American Really A Christian Nation. The empirical data clearly shows that America is indeed moving away from Christian Values. Don't let this so called Russian Orthodox Christian fool you. He is no different than the American Evangelicals. Cherry-Picks his faith with the best of them. 

Putin seems to have mastered the rhetoric of religiosity over the past several years, both for the purposes of internal Russian politics and on the international level. Internally, he has strengthened the relationship between the Russian State and the Russian Orthodox Church and brought the Church into his sphere in much the same way that the Czars, and even the Soviets, did during their time in power. He has cast the conflict with rebels in Chechnya and Dagestan as a battle against Islam itself, for example, and portrayed his support of the Assad regime in Syria as part of an effort to protect the Syrian Christian community.[See Source] 

Putin and the Dominionist goal is to place as many of their people in as many key government positions as possible. 

We are keeping an eye on this Unholy Alliance, Putin and the Christian Right. 

Christian Right Obsessed With Vladimir Putin

The Christian Fascist and Their Political Religion

Lakewood Church Houston Texas

One of the biggest things this writer has noticed living in the same city Houston, Texas as  Joel Osteen's Lakewood mega-church is that it's totally isolated from the community. Our research here in the House of Public Discourse has found this  isolation is not unlike all mega-churches around the nation. They do not reach out to other denominations. They do not reach out to the public schools. They could care less about local officials. The only two groups we found them to reach out to were law enforcement and the military.

U.S. Marine Corp appreciation day. State Trooper Sunday. Our source reports they would bring these people in and praise them for their Christian service. It is the position of the House of Public Discourse they know full well what they are doing. These forces of coercion within a society are fundamental if any radical movement is going to succeed. Over the last several decades in America, our governance has been overrun with radical right Christian extremism. These religious groups and organization not content with religious matters have holy-rolled themselves into the public sphere of government. They have brought this to materialization through deeply funded media outlets and expounded their rhetoric through networks like the 700 Club, TBN, CBN, and others.

There is no greater example of Christian extremism finding its way into our politics than televangelist John Hagee. Pastor Hagee proclaims the U.S. must join Israel in a preemptive military strike against Iran. The nitwit overweight pastor says GOD ordains it himself and it would be the fulfillment of an end -time Biblical prophesy. This confrontation with Iran will lead to the Rapture and the second-coming of Christ.

Watch Pastor Hagee Stink His Nose Where It Does Not Belong.

So, What Do These Self-Proclaimed Christians Really Want?

Political Religion is what these people want. Political Religion is a non-church religion that has a spirituality aligned to combat and struggle. While it may employ democratic means to achieve its goals it frequently resorts to violence, and so generates fear in the communities it targets. Religions infiltration into our 21st century politics is the greatest problem facing our country and world. See, in short, if we did away with religion no one would have a reason to kill and die for. Modern day science professional have been advocating this for many years. This becoming a reality, however, is far-fetched. The problem with religion is not what people believe personally. Political Religion becomes dangerous when this personal belief system becomes involved in political decision-making.

The founding fathers of America particularly Jefferson and Madison were insistent that one's faith in GOD was of a personal nature and not a matter of the state. The issues lie in dogma and the interpretation from that point of view. The problems come into play when these dogma's begin to influence laws, judicial issues, and when people aren't discussing these issues based on 21st century attitudes. Political Religion becomes even more dangerous when religion and nationalist views coalesce so that it  forms a political ideology.[See: James Madison On Church and State]

We The People are already seeing how these ideas have created a political divide in America and have cause some unstable individuals to act out in violence. What is missing in this equation is the lack of critical thinking at least from the American political right who shun intellectualism and have been for a dumbing down of America since the Reagan years. What the facts are is these radical Christian zealots like the Dominionist don't use critical thinking whatsoever they use mystical superstition thinking. This thinking and its infiltration into our political process is the biggest danger this country and world faces today. 

One might ask why this is dangerous? It's dangerous cause World War III could be the result not of some mythical Bible story but due to a lack of critical thinking.[See Source]

It is the view of the House of Public Discourse that Americans need to stop fuzzing over taxes, economics, and social issues. We should draw a line in the sand on our countries future and rebuke these mystical  thinkers who beat the drums of war to their dumb downed minion. Political hacks like Ted Cruz and Rand Paul and this real nutcase Ben Carson, while highly educated themselves they are playing to the least common denominators of our society for support.[See: Why Do Poor Uneducated White People Vote Republican?]

The attitude of "American Exceptionalism"  and this horrid belief system that somehow America was a nation founded on Biblical principles could be the primary factor in our nation's demise. 

Secessionist Groups Are On The Rise In America

There is a rolling tide of disgruntled citizens in America today. We have the Southern Nationalists in South Carolina. There is another group called the “Indomitables.” this Neo-Confederate group advocates leaving the Union by any means possible and training for the coming conflict as of the rendition of this article. [See Article]

These Groups Want To Take This Country Back To The Days Of The Civil War!

” The league believes the “godly” nation it wants to form should be run by an “Anglo-Celtic” (read: white) elite that would establish a Christian theocratic state and politically dominate blacks and other minorities.[The LOS]

 The LOS was formed by a group of Southern University professors but don't let that fool you. This organization is run rampant with racist, poor, uneducated white people who denounce the Federal Government, Northern, and Coastal States as part of the 'empire.' To these right-wing radicals, if you are not with them, you're constituted as nothing more than a perverted ungodly minion of society.[See Source]

Mike Hill[LOS]

“If the scenario of the South (and the rest of America) being overrun by hordes of non-white immigrants does not appeal to you, then how is this disaster to be averted? By the people who oppose it rising up against their traitorous elite masters and their misanthropic rule. But to do this we must first rid ourselves of the fear of being called ‘racists’ and the other meaningless epithets they use against us. What is really meant by the [anti-racist] advocates when they peg us as ‘racists’ is that we adhere to ethnocentrism, which is a natural affection for one’s own kind. This is both healthy and Biblical. I am not ashamed to say that I prefer my own kind and my own culture. Others can have theirs; I have mine. No group can survive for long if its members do not prefer their own over others.”
— Mike Hill, Web essay

Where Did This Hate Come From And Who's Behind It?

One might ask where did all this hate come from? Back last year here in the House of Public Discourse we answered that question. [Read:Why Do Poor Uneducated White People Vote Republican?]  In short, the rise in right-wing hate is why! These so-called secessionists have simpleton minds. You factor in a dedicated decades-long media strategy with the 30 plus-year-old political device known as the Southern Strategy and what results is ' loony tunes' wanting to play army in the woods and re-fight the Civil War. These self-proclaimed defenders of the American way are nothing more than self-absorbed deluded people with an ax to grind for their shortcomings. [ See:Personality Traits Of The Right Wing Extremist] Factor in cognitive dissonance and a heaping tablespoon of " Right-Wing Authoritarian Followers Syndrome," and what we have is a multitude of Timothy McVeigh's  running around now with the go-ahead to open carry their weapons.

Right-Wing Authoritarianism Explained 

Persons of color, immigrants, and liberal-minded Americans are all perceived to be part of the out-groups destroying the American way. This reality has been promoted in right-wing hate talk radio, and news organizations like Fox News. These fringe groups and mindsets have always been prevalent in American culture. However, with America electing a person of color as president, these subversive groups have escalated.  In fact, hate crimes are becoming so common in America today it barely gets any media attention at all. The reason for this as these crimes become more common most people tend just to tune them out like we do those car salesman ads. What the problem is, is that these racist right wing haters listen to these media outlets, and the results have been deadly. This message of hate has proven to cause dull-witted individuals to act out  their hate towards what the individual perceives to be a violation of the American way.

CLICK HERE TO BUY " FREE SHIPPING

There is no question in this writer's mind that hate radio and commentators like Rush Limbaugh and Fox News Sean Hannity and others have radicalized the American right. 

Then Along Comes Known Racist and Nut-Case Ron Paul Encouraging Secessionist Groups. 

Former U.S. Congressman Ron Paul from Texas told the National Journal that there should be more secessionist movements in America. 

Ron Paul

"It's something that I think is going to grow because the failure of the federal government is going to get much worse," he said. "When the bankruptcy evolves, and maybe some of these pension funds are confiscated, and the wars never end, and bankruptcy comes forth, people [will say], 'Hey, we're getting a bad deal from this. Why don't we leave?' "

Paul went on to say.

"I think what is most important is we have a concrete right to secede," Paul said. "Even if we never had any secession, or any state declare independence, we would be so much better off because there would always be this threat. Once the threat of a state leaving was removed, it was just open-door policy for the federal government to expand itself and run roughshod out over the states because the states couldn't do much."

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From The Tree!

There is little doubt that potential 2016 presidential candidate Rand Paul(R-KY) thinks like his father on this issue like many others. What perplexes the House of Public Discourse is that unlike his whack father, Rand Paul has a far greater chance of getting the GOP nod than his father ever did!  I would like to be a fly on the wall hearing these two " peas in a pod," discussing this radical position with which the elder Paul has taken and gone public. See, as reported by the House of Public Discourse, Rand Paul has made a science of " talking out of both sides his mouth," and " wearing two faces under one hat."

What a prospect. We have a GOP front runner that comes from the land of secession,  Texas,  who very well could be one low voter turnout away from the presidency. 

This article is part 2 of a series of articles we are researching and writing here in the House of Public Discourse. [Join Our Facebook Group] In part one we posed  the question, The American Experiment Is Under Crisis! The fact that these secessionist groups and the subsequent domestic violence associated with it are growing by the day is proof positive that our nation is in a crisis. In part 3 we will look at how sectionalism is rearing its nasty head again and is very much a root-cause for our nation's current polarization. 

Political Polarization in the US

Should We Rename The Tea Party, The American Taliban?

President Obama

Over the course of Obama's presidency, many so-called experts claim populist anger has been at an all-time high.  Neo-Nazis groups are reemerging, and other hate groups have sprung forth as well. Ever since the election of America's first black president, we have seen a drastic rise in these subversive groups.[See Article]
It doesn't matter that Obama has taken an economy that was in shambles and put it back on course. It doesn't matter that when he[Obama] took office our country was accumulating a debt like never before, and Obama has put measures in play that have turned it [deficits] around. Obama has done these positive things with a backdrop of pure seditious Republican obstruction. Moreover, the right-wing media, backed by deep-pocketed billionaires like the Koch Brothers have blasted the liberal president agenda as being a fascist, socialist, and communist one, as if there is even such a thing.[See Article] All of this bogus rhetoric has been directed at the very lowest common denominator of our society. Uneducated poor racist white people who call themselves the Tea Party and their cause has been coined " The Patriot Movement." [Read: Why Do Poor Uneducated White People Vote Republican?]

It has been a remarkable scene. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are 939 active hate groups operating in the Unites States.[2013] All hate groups have beliefs or practices that attack or malign an entire class of people, typically for their immutable characteristics. 

Hate group activities can include criminal acts, marches, rallies, speeches, meetings, leafleting or publishing. Websites appearing to be merely the work of a single individual, rather than the publication of a group, are not included in this list. Listing here does not imply a group advocates or engages in violence or other criminal activity.[Southern Poverty Law Center]

What has exploded more than any other faction has been the formulation of the so-called militia. In this writer's view, it's nothing more than a bunch of  grown-ups of both genders playing Army in the woods. The Tea Party and the Patriot Movement has been the spark that has opened this nasty can of worms in America. [See:Personality Traits Of The Right Wing Extremist] 

Should We Rename The Tea Party The American Taliban?

The Tea Party A Vehicle For Anger

Anyone who denies that the Tea Party is a racist organization is either kidding themselves or suffering from the worst case of denial ever recorded in the history of man.[See Article]  The politics of hate are the benchmark of the Republican Party. And now with a black president in the White House, organizations like the Tea Party, which have been co-opted by the Koch Brothers have a " green-light," to turn up the volume on racist activity all in the name of GOD and country. Factor in the reality that [America Loves A Good Conspiracy Theory!] and what you have is a Molotov cocktail ready to explode. Obama is going to take your guns. Obama is going to turn our country over to the Muslims. Obama is a dictator. Obama is the anti-christ and facilitator of the New World Order.[NWO] The conspiratorial rhetoric has been in a word " pathetic." Now, for the dangerous element of these most unholy associations, we have seen high-ranking " good-old-boys" in law enforcement; mostly Sheriffs and Judges form partnerships for lack of term, with the Tea Party and the subsequent Patriot Movement.

A Prime Example-- If This Would Have Been The Black Panthers We Would Have Seen Helicopters Mowing The Protesters Down In Cold Blood

The American South Has Become An International Disgrace, Why?

If you take a look at it, yes there are hate groups all over the country. However, a closer examination finds the American South inundated with these groups of hate. There is  this springboard of hate groups from familiar states Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Texas. The thing that's sad is these people wear this malfunction as a badge of honor. The behavior of these citizens is not only legendary and historical, but also predictable. The radical-right wing of the Republican Party in the rural South have taken over the party. What happens when you have uneducated racist and bigots controlling your party with well-funded media echo chambers like Fox News force-feeding them trumped up unfactual red meat? A rise in domestic terrorism.[Domestic Terror: The Deadliest Game! ]

This increase in domestic terrorism has spiked since the election of America's first black president.

A report says extremist groups have used President Obama as a recruiting tool.

“Most statements by rightwing extremists have been rhetorical, expressing concerns about the election of the first African-American president, but stopping short of calls for violent action,” the report says. “In two instances in the run-up to the election, extremists appeared to be in the early planning stages of some threatening activity targeting the Democratic nominee, but law enforcement interceded.” [See Report]

Then you have this sovereign nation movement. There are groups who are seriously advocating secession from the United States. Their platform would make a persons home an embassy. The person would call themselves diplomats. Therefore, you can't arrest us. We don't have to pay taxes. And, lastly, we do not have to follow the laws or regulations of the United States. These groups are nothing more than off-shoots from the "Tea Party and Patriot Movement." Here is just some of the lustrous sovereign nation citizens.

Sovereign Nation Citizens Hall of Shame

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Montana Freemen were a Christian Patriot movement based outside the town of Jordan, Montana. The members of the group referred to their land as "Justus Township" and had declared themselves no longer under the authority of any outside government. They became the center of public attention in 1996 when they engaged in a prolonged armed standoff with agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.[See Source]

 

The Montana Freemen  story tell us something very interesting. There are various versions of these sovereign nation movement groups. The members of these groups feel they can just join these organizations and declare their sovereignty and not have to pay their taxes. They don't have to have driver's licenses. This whole idea originated from radical groups back in the 70's and 80's. Their whole legal argument rest on the Posse Comitatus Act. 

The Posse Comitatus Act is the United States federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1385, original at 20 Stat. 152) that was passed on June 18, 1878, after the end of Reconstruction and was updated in 1981. The purpose of the act (in concert with the Insurrection Act of 1807) is to limit the powers of Federal government in using its military personnel to enforce the state laws.

The Act does not apply to the Army and Air National Guard under state authority from acting in a law enforcement capacity within its home country or in an adjacent state if invited by that state's governor. The United States Coast Guard, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security, is not covered by the Posse Comitatus Act either, primarily because although the Coast Guard is an armed service, it also has both a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency mission. While the Act does not explicitly mention the naval services (United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps), the Department of the Navy has prescribed regulations that are generally construed to give the Act force with respect to those services as well.[See Source]

 

Posse Comitatus Act Explained?

There were back then as there is today these groups of people who feel they are the organic citizens of this country.[White Privilege] They believe they were placed in this country by GOD Almighty himself. They claim to have this divine connection with the heavenly father. That this land[United States] was given to them and that no government can interfere. What these groups are saying is that " we white people were given this land by GOD and that we can't be told what or what not to do." 

In legal jargon, what these groups contend is that they are not 14th Amendment citizens.

What is important here to point out is that all of this crazy right-wing madness are all just remakes of the John Birch Society. See article, Why Understanding The John Birch Society Is Important . Is it not remarkable, that we are seeing a reemergence of the John Birch Society?[JBS] The JBS has become an annual sponsor of those  CPAC conferences were we see one Republican nut-job after the other try to woo the Republican minion.  CPAC back in the early 90's denounce several conservative groups as being racist. The JBS was one of those groups. Today America is a very different place.
Now, by allowing the JBS to be a co-sponsor of this annual conference should tell even the most casual observer of politics where this country is heading and moreover what political party is behind this civil-injustice.

As we have seen in foreign lands ruled by theocratic organization like the Taliban. People are having their heads chopped off for not following their doctrines, and we are seeing these same type Christian groups here in America advocating the very same but under the guise of Christianity. [See Article]

Then you have these self-righteous, self-proclaimed, and self-absorbed people who call themselves " Oath Keepers." These deluded people believe that the United States is about to impose martial law on us all. And, they are the " Holy Warriors" to save us. The majority of these nutcases are ex-military and law enforcement. [See:Are We Creating Holy Warriors In Our Military? ]

They[Oath Keepers] are the main ones proclaiming that We The People are going to be herded into concentration camps by our mean and menacing government. It's that New World Order conspiracy with a new twist or two.[ See: America Loves A Good Conspiracy Theory! ] The bottom line this is very far a field. What is surprising is how little this craziness has been called out by the mainstream media. One could argue this is because there is no one central charismatic figure. However, the reality is these ideas and mindsets are completely groundless. Mindless pundits and political figures like Sara Palin, Glenn Beck, Lou Dobbs, Sean Hannity, and news outlets like Fox News say and report things routinely that are entirely false. What is happening with news outlets like Fox News and others is who can out spook who, and it all goes to rating and profits. What is dangerous is the way it affects many unstable Americans to act out in violence and much of this reverts to the electing of the first person of color to the " White House."

Case In Point!

The Religious Right Dreams Of Turning America Into A Christian Nation.

Claire Conner

This does NOT mean keeping “one nation under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance and “In God We Trust” in our money. Turning America into a Christian nation is a sinister, dangerous effort to make America into a theocracy governed by strict biblical law.
The religious right has been building a base of support for this concept of theocracy since the 1970s when Francis Schaeffer activated the evangelical right to take up the cause of Christianizing the United States. Day after day, some right-wing politician claims direct, personal communication with God. Today it's Mike Huckabee. .
Huckabee is part of, or at least sympathetic to, the Dominionist movement-a subset of evangelical theology that envisions an America ruled by Christians and governed by biblical law.
Dominionism was founded by and promulgated by Rousas John Rushdoony. This stern, rigid theocrat, who lead the Christian Reconstructionist

Movement, had a close personal friendship with Robert Welch, the founder of the John Birch Society.
Rushdoony said that he admired the John Birch Society but never became a member.
“Welch always saw things in terms of conspiracy,” Rushdoony explained, “and I always see things in terms of sin. ”
In my book, Wrapped in the Flag, I write about Rushdoony. Here’s a snippet from Chapter 16, “Carrying the Cross.”

Rousas John Rushdoony

In his magnum opus, Institutes of Biblical Law,’ published in 1973, Rushdoony described the Old Testament laws that would be the backbone of the new justice system in a Christian America, along with the punishments he envisioned for those who broke them. Criminals would be burned at the stake, hanged and stoned, depending on their sins. The folks facing such punishment included gays, blasphemers, unchaste women, and incorrigible juvenile delinquents. Of course, doctors providing abortions and their patients would also be executed.
John Rushdoony understood that it would take time and hard work to bring his vision for America to fruition. He saw HOME SCHOOLING as the way to “train up a generation of people who know that this is no religious neutrality, no neutral law, no neutral education, and no neutral civil government.

"It was Rushdoony who first urged Christians to take “dominion over the land as the Bible commanded them to do.”

Ron Paul

Ron Paul, the former Congressman from Texas and a John Birch Society favorite, ripped a page from Rushdoony’s playbook and published his own home school curriculum. To get things rolling, he hired Gary North to write and market the program.
Gary North, the son-in-law of Rushdoony, sounds just like his father-in-law when he talks about schooling. “So let us be blunt about it,” says Gary North. “We must use the doctrine of religious liberty to gain independence for Christian schools until we train up a generation of people who know that there is no religious neutrality, no neutral law, no neutral education, and no neutral civil government.
Then they will get busy in constructing a Bible-based social, political and religious order which finally denies the religious liberty of the enemies of God.”
When you read about Ron Paul’s home school curriculum and trace its ideas back to Rushdoony, you’ll understand why Ron Paul is such a dangerous man.
When you hear the term “Dominionists,” know that these are NOT just Christians; these people intend to turn the US into a replay of the Spanish Inquisition, this time run by radical evangelicals.
This fusion of radical right wing politics and radical right wing religion has been fueled by Robert Welch, John Rushdoony, Gary North, and Ron Paul along with a cadre of radical right-wing evangelicals.
I’m terrified by these zealots. They are the most dangerous kind. They believe they are chosen by God to bring America under the boot of the Old Testament.

Claire Conner Spells It Out With A Front Row Seat  in her book ''Wrapped In The Flag.''

View More of Claire's Work

James Madison On Church and State

There is one thing for certain when reporting on the issue of church and state; there will be those people no matter the evidence will insist that the American Constitution is founded on Christian principles. These same people are the very ones who totally disregard the existence of the separation of church and state. In our past reporting, here at the House of Public Discourse. We have provided evidence and quotes from our founding fathers that show clearly and without any ambiguity that their empathic intentions were not to co-mingle government and religion. We intend on taking a look at one of our most prominent founding fathers James Madison and go where the research takes us on his position regarding this much in the spotlight effect of our modern times.[See Source]

Who Was James Madison? 

James Madison  is widely known and recognized as the " Father of the Constitution." Madison more than any other founding father is responsible for the construction of the First Amendment. Our first example of Madison position on church and  state is his, "Memorial and Remonstrance Against Religious Assessments"    document. This document was in response to him opposing a bill  that would have allowed tax-support for Christian ministers in the state of Virginia.

Here is James Madison first point of a fifteen-point memorandum concerning this proposed legislation.

Because we hold it for a fundamental and undeniable truth, "that religion or the duty which we owe to our Creator and the manner of discharging it, can be directed only by reason and conviction, not by force or violence." The Religion then of every man must be left to the conviction and conscience of every man; and it is the right of every man to exercise it as these may dictate.
This right is in its nature an unalienable right. It is unalienable, because the opinions of men, depending only on the evidence contemplated by their own minds cannot follow the dictates of other men: It is unalienable also, because what is here a right towards men, is a duty towards the Creator. It is the duty of every man to render to the Creator such homage and such only as he believes to be acceptable to him. This duty is precedent, both in order of time and in degree of obligation, to the claims of Civil Society. Before any man can be considered as a member of Civil Society, he must be considered as a subject of the Governor of the Universe: And if a member of Civil Society, do it with a saving of his allegiance to the Universal Sovereign. We maintain therefore that in matters of Religion, no man's right is abridged by the institution of Civil Society and that Religion is wholly exempt from its cognizance. True it is, that no other rule exists, by which any question which may divide a Society, can be ultimately determined, but the will of the majority; but it is also true that the majority may trespass on the rights of the minority. [ Source: James Madison]

There are many sources that give us a window into the mind of James Madison concerning the separation of church and state. One such source is his letter to Jasper Adams.

Jasper Adams was president of the College of Charleston. He had sent Madison a copy of his pamphlet, The Relation of Christianity to Civil Government in the United States, and requested Madison's comments. Adams contested the view "that Christianity had no connection with our civil government." Rather, he argued, "the people of the United States have retained the Christian religion as the foundation of their civil, legal, and political institutions." Adams sent the pamphlet to numerous other statesmen, including John Marshall and justice Joseph Story. Marshall replied, "The American population is entirely Christian, and with us, Christianity and religion are identified." Story went further, writing, "I have read it with uncommon satisfaction. I think its tone and spirit excellent. My own private judgment has long been (and every day's experience more and more confirms me in it) that government can not long exist without an alliance with religion; and that Christianity is indispensable to the true interests and sold foundations of free government."
Madision, of course, disagreed. In his reply, Madison argues that history demonstrates that religion flourishes most freely when it is not supported by the state, and that the state should not impose religion on its citizens.

Madison Argued That Religion Should Survive on Its Own Merits.

In fact, James Madison advocated a strict separation of church and state because he felt distrust for the appeals of irrational sources of authority in the American Republic.[(James Madison on the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, p. 150] [See Source]
   



It's important to remember that James Madison considered himself a Christian. Whereas Franklin, Jefferson, and Thomas Paine did not. So, we here at the House of Public Discourse have chosen a founding father who, in fact, considered himself to be of the faith. Madison's summary of the First Amendment clearly pointed out that Congress should not establish a religion and enforce the legal observation of it by any law. [See Source]  Madison went on to express that no act of Congress should compel anyone to worship God in any manner contrary to their conscience. Moreover, no one sect of religion might obtain a pre-eminence over another. That no religion should be established that would force the citizenry to conform too. [Annals of Congress, Sat Aug 15th, 1789 pages 730-731] [See Source] What James Madison has expressed over and over is that religion is and should be distinct from civil government and exempt from its cognizance.

"The settled opinion here is that religion is essentially distinct from Civil Government, and exempt from its cognizance; that a connexion between them is injurious to both; that there are causes in the human breast, which ensure the perpetuity of religion without the aid of the law; that rival sects, with equal rights, exercise mutual censorships in favor of good morals; that if new sects arise with absurd opinions or over-heated maginations, the proper remedies lie in time, forbearance and example; that a legal establishment of religion without a toleration could not be thought of, and with toleration, is no security for public quiet and harmony, but rather a source itself of discord and animosity; and, finally, that these opinions are supported by experience, which has shewn that every relaxation of the alliance between. " [James Madison]

The Tyranny of Religion.

How many heads have been chopped off by the Catholic church in the name of God.? How many blacks in America have been hung on a tree limb in the name of God? How many millions of souls have died in so-called Holy-Wars in the name of God? How many people have been swindled by so-called preachers of the faith in the name of God? How many children have been molested by clergy representing themselves as agents of God? Concerned.  I am.

I am very concerned about the behavior and the actions of the Christian Right in our country. In our exhaustive research here at the House of Public Discourse, we have uncovered the fact our founding fathers were concerned about religious fanatics of their times as well. There is such a widespread misconception among the populist on what the founding fathers like James Madison intentions for America would be. Ever since the implementation of the Southern Strategy[ See Article] by the Republican Party to garner support from the social conservatives we have seen nothing but a downward slope of radical Christian dogmas manifest.

 Much of this manifestations took the form as political " faith-based- programs," for example George Bush's, Sr. thousand-points of light.

Bush, Sr. program was nothing more than a request to give our tax dollars to religious groups. The same exact thing that James Madison rebuke back in Virginia that we aforementioned in this article. I can remember Jerry Falwell being with hands out. Pat Robertson was there with hand out. Truth be told both Falwell and Robertson got rich off this religious facade.  To the point, they got rich off the government money. Now, in the present we are giving tax- payer money to religious schools were wide-spread misallocation of said monies is commonplace. Many of these religious schools are indoctrinating our young people with  misinformation based on interpretation of the agendas of the "religions "denominational mandates. In fairness, Bill Clinton continued the program cause the bottom-line this entailed votes. When George Bush, II got into office he put these religious terms on super-steroids.[See Article] And, current president Obama has inherited all this religious hog-wash. As, of the rendition of this article has done nothing to stop it. We have a far-reaching problem in this country, and this problem all harkens back to the very fears many of our founding fathers had like James Madison. What was that fear?

That Religious Zealots Were Going To Get Inside Of Government!

With these false man-made religious doctrines flourishing and being propagated by people with questionable motives, it is apparent there is a tranny being opposed on the minds of the people. As we reported in our last article which highlighted David Barton. When it comes to quoting the Bible to apply it to a secular situation context is everything. Radical right-wing preachers and pundits like David Barton, John Hagee, Glenn Beck, and Pat Robertson have made a living on quoting our founding fathers and the Bible out of context.

In closing its time to put the sources to the side and write from the heart. It is not our mission here at the House of Public Discourse to bash religion. In fact, we feel we are doing what God's unabated word instructs us to do. As liberal thinkers, it's not our intentions to bring you to Christ. We are not qualified or do we have the authority to do so. Our motives are to make one aware that our present day society is being over-ran with what our research reveals to be false teachings, and out and out fakes preaching from the pulpits. Moreover, that these people through their very design have infiltrated our government in direct contradiction to our Constitution.

People are sitting in church Sunday after Sunday. Year after year. Listening to the pastors in every aspect of religion from the little brown church in the dale to massive mega-churches set up in old basketball arenas. These modern day religious quacks are, in fact, fulfilling a Bible prophecy.

Jesus Explained:

When you are being preached to and are following false teaching according to Jesus, these so-called holy-men are leading you to your self-destruction. It's the blind leading the blind. People love their pastors and churches. The facts tend to show that many love their pastors and churches more than Jesus. Just because a person is standing behind a pulpit or has a TV ministry does not mean they are preaching in spirit and truth.

Modern Day Pastors Pervert God's Word For Their Purposes.

And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. [ Jeremaih 23:36]

The Bible instructs us not to believe every spirit, but to examine the motives and pay attention to their actions.[See Source] Because many false prophets have gone unto this world to prey on the vulnerable. Be aware of these priests who want to preach a message of prosperity by following them to Christ. Be aware of preachers who say following them will be your means of self-improvement. If a pastor approaches you with a message of following, him will teach you life-skills in a word, run.
In this writer, five-year study of the Bible I independently documented how many of the most famous preachers in modern-day Christendom follow their teachings and not that of the Bible. Naming names would only inflame the topic and take away from the overall goal and motivation from the House of Public Discourse, which is to encourage one to examine what their preachers are teaching them. 

See, their motivation is clear. They want to have large congregations and massive amounts of TV followers to contribute to their ministry and then claim their good fortune is due to their diligence in Christ that backs up this bogus prosperity ministry hearsay. Our mission is to shake the apple tree, to awaken the mind to this misleading religious dogma.

What these modern-day brood of vipers are doing in practice is spoiling man salvation based of the Bible with vain philosophies and deceit after the traditions of men. The Bible fore-told of these men and that because these priests, pastors,  reverends, and self-proclaimed prophets speak of things of this world that many will fall to their snare.

What is very troubling is that this is the very thing our founding fathers were afraid would happen. Religious organizations would find its way into our governance. We have seen this religious cancer grow over the years. We have seen these factions use and abuse and misrepresent the intentions of our founding fathers. Let us not be fooled any longer.  

Dominionist, The Players Past And Present. [Part 2]

According to the Dominionist, government has a role as " God's Avenger."

"...Government... derives its moral authority from God. It is the minister of God with powers to 'avenge,' to 'execute wrath' including wrath even by sword." [See Source]

It is just this type hearsay that has come to be commonplace with many adherents of Dominion Theology. One recent example of  this gossip came in the form of a book entitled, " Jefferson Lies." It's author, David Barton, [Dominionist] in a word 'rewrote' history in his now debunked book.

The World According To David Barton.

David Barton

It is imperative to make a quantified comparison here on the " Pilgrim America." Which based on our research was ultimately a religious- based society. And,"Revolutionary America,"which based on our research wasn't. These were two entirely different America's. So,what does this American history have to do with David Barton? Firstly, David  Barton is a very well-known religious author who has promoted America as being a nation founded on Christian principles. One of his calling cards is to come out on stage with some old looking documents claiming them to be original. Barton contends that the founding fathers formed the American government as a vehicle to spread the gospel. The problem with Barton's contention is that it's grossly wrong. Provable wrong. Secondly, Barton's argument is a false one based on the evidence. What David Barton does is skew the facts to a Christian Right slant by manipulating the data. Barton attempts to make it appear the founders believed certain things when in fact they did not. What Barton does is to detach individual quotes from a broader text and manipulates them to fit his purpose. It is very easy to persuade the right-wing authoritarian follower. They not only tend to be under- educated they tend to be anti-this and anti-that and are easy targets. [See Article] Read, " Personality Traits Of The Right-Wing Extremist."

David Barton is the Pastor to the Tea Party crowd. Michelle Bachman (R-MN) calls Barton a " treasure to our nation," former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee stated that Barton was the " single best historian in America today." [See Source]  Nutball journalist, Glenn Beck once called Barton, the " most important man in America".

What is very troubling is David Barton's growing influence with Republican and Libertarian politicians. He distorts history and the Constitution for political purposes. He promotes religiously non-Biblical doctrines which divide and give no preference to religious minorities. Barton has made a living on feeding the toxic political climate in America. Barton preaches that political opponents are not just wrong they are evil and anti-God. [See Source]

Hear David Barton At Work.

You shall surely set a king over you whom the LORD your God chooses, one from among your countrymen you shall set as king over yourselves; you may not put a foreigner over yourselves who is not your countryman. [Deuteronomy 17:15] As you can see Barton likes to skew the meaning of the scriptures to manipulate them to serve his purpose. Last time I checked we got a president and not a king. Moreover, President Obama has fully vetted his birth-certificate for the whole world to see. However, Barton wants to influence the least common denominator of our society poor under- educated white people who tend to vote for the Republican Party. What is important here is to learn how David Barton operates. In doing so, you can get a clear indication on how the entire Dominion Theology works. Barton has been found to put out false quotations from the founders. In short, accuracy is not Barton's watchword. Why should we be worried about the likes of David Barton? For starters, many Americans have not heard of Barton. However, the people driving the Republican agenda have. To the Republican Party he is not on the fringe. In the past, Barton was used by the Republican Party to get the evangelical vote.

In addition, Barton has been recently embraced by Republican presidential candidates like Mike Huckabee, Newt Gingrich, Michelle Bachman, Rick Santorum, Rick Perry, and Sara Palin. [See Source]  Barton has been welcomed into the halls of Congress and had influence over these lawmakers. Another thing that is dangerous about David Barton is his making every issue a religious one. Claiming that God has a particular position on every secular issue of our time. In fact, Barton contends if you disagree with him you disagree with the " God Almighty," himself. If you don't fall in step with his thinking, you are anti-God. In this writer's view, nothing is more dangerous than a Christian zealot on steroids.

David Barton Wants To Remake America.    

  

" Money does not belong to the government, it belongs to individuals, and to steal money from individuals through whatever government spending program is taking private property."

I wonder what the position of the Republican Party is on tax money going to subsidize the oil and gas industry or the tax money that has gone to war profiteering companies like Haliburton. Or the largest spending government program period, the military.[See Article] As a person who studied the Bible for five straight years, I found nothing that even remotely advocates the type of things spewing from Barton's rhetoric. The bottom-line this behavior by Barton is typical among Dominionist. Our research here at the House of Public Discourse has analyzed this to the point where the fact is as follows. With the infiltration of Dominionist into our public sphere at all levels of government [See Article] whether it is spoken or unspoken these factions debate every issue from a theological perspective in total disregard to our nations Constitution. How this viewpoint plays out in the practical is that God wants them to oppose the minium wage, God wants them to oppose Obamacare, God wants them to oppose same-sex-marriage, and so forth. This attitude creates an almost impossible atmosphere for compromise. What we are seeing is a concerted effort by Republican political activist and planners. To merge the Religious Right, with the anti-government Tea Party, and right-wing white hate groups to fight all progressive agendas in the name of ' God Almighty. David Barton then comes along claiming there is a Biblical basis for this practice.

James Madison

   

In closing, the House of Public Discourse would draw our readers to the attention of  one of our nations founders James Madison. Who we will be writing about in our next article dealing with the separation of church and state. 

"I must admit moreover that it may not be easy, in every possible case, to trace the line of separation between the rights of religion and the civil authority with such distinctness as to avoid collisions and doubts on unessential points. The tendency to a usurpation on one side or the other or to a corrupting coalition or alliance between them will be best guarded against by entire abstinence of the government from interference in any way whatever, beyond the necessity of preserving public order and protecting each sect against trespasses on its legal rights by others." (Letter Rev. Jasper Adams, Spring 1832).