Happy and Blessed New Year!

A Happy and Blessed New Year 2019 to all!

Today is also my birthday so I get to philosophize a little.....

I just read an article on CNSnews.com from a Rabbi about morality and how it applies to the border wall debates. Spoiler alert - I agree 100%. There is most certainly a moral component to this issue, but more importantly , there is always a moral component to everything we do and say. many people forget that on social media. I think we all have a duty to society, and ourselves, to try to be better people than we were yesterday.

The author states, "Among the most profound convictions of the Bible is that of personal responsibility. We are responsible to take care of and protect those we have freely chosen to live with: first our family, then our community and nation – in that order. One cannot shirk and displace this priority, this personal responsibility in the name of universalism or mankind."

Exactly right - religion teaches us about the virtues of personal responsibility while government and socialism teaches the opposite - everyone is a victim and has no control over their destiny.

Furthermore he goes on to say that we must DO something after we assume that personal responsibility, which is the action statement fulfilling your destiny. "Turning a blind eye to danger to those who directly depend on you, be it a head of a household or a president to his citizens, in the name of universalism is not moral. Morality is not what makes us feel good about ourselves or looks good to others, rather that which we ought to do, doing that for which we are personally responsible."

You see, once you assume personal responsibility, then the outcomes depend on your actions alone, and it is a call to do something about it. You can no longer sit on the sidelines and complain about your situation. Trust me, no one cares about complainers.

There is a direct biblical reference to helping strangers, but it is often misunderstood in the context of open borders arguments. The stranger was supposed to be respectful of the laws of the foreign land and its people, not an invader who takes what they want. That part is conveniently left out.

The reference is here, "Borders, distinct and sovereign nations are vital. No wonder when speaking to ancient Israel the universal God proffers the people with the following blessing: “And I shall protect your borders so that strangers and enemies not fill your camp and become a thorn in your side.” As with protecting one's home and family residents inside (Exodus: 22), so too the God of humanity prioritizes the legitimate need for protective borders and its citizens inside."


The full article is here... https://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/rabbi-aryeh-spero/debunking-two-moral-questions-people-often-ask-support-lax-border

My goal for this New Year is to be more respectful of others - as it is defined in the Bible. That means accepting responsibility for my family and country and continuing to oppose invaders and their allies. I want all Americans to be safe, healthy , happy and prosperous. Like our president said, "Americans are dreamers too."

Let's all have a great year!