Raising our Voices for the Right Reason by Kathy Black  

At the founding of America the colonists were facing some of the same financial challenges we are today.  We should all re-read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety.  You will find that in context, the reason the colonists were separating themselves from the rule of  the King, was because those in power were so far removed from the every day life of the colonists that they didn’t really understand what the increase in taxes was doing to them.  The pursuit of happiness, which is outlined within the writ, was being greatly hindered by imposing taxes without the consent of those governed.

Taken in context, there are specific grievances which the colonists were addressing.  The founding fathers of America were not setting forth the granting of hedonism, which is the doctrine from ancient Greece stating that the pursuit of pleasure is life's greatest aim.  They were specifically addressing tyranny from the government that was oppressing their liberty and causing them great personal hardships and financial loss. 

Perhaps today in America, tyranny is again reaching a net over its citizens, one that is causing them great financial hardships.  Yet, why are we not a people on their knees asking God why the state of our nation has come to this terrible junction again?  Most of the communicators in our nation are utilizing fear to manipulate people so that their liberties are not taken away.  But the problem is not liberty, but the use of that liberty in our society today.  We must begin to raise our voices so that they reach to Washington, D.C.

         At the core of the troubles in America you will find not a financial problem, but an ethical and moral one.  Is it because Americans forgot that personal morality and ethics was the backbone of responsible living?  Corporate national freedom can only prosper when individual liberty and freedom takes the responsible position of governing behavior in such a way as to act as if what you do, and how you do it, matters to others around you.   

When money is made through a self-promoting enterprise that creates havoc with other peoples lives, and the environment in which they live, or disregards the well being of others and the health of the planet, then it actually works against the nation itself.  If Americans want to be free to pursue Capitalism, then they must do so in a responsible, ethical manner. 

      Perhaps we should be rejoicing that the changes in America that are rapidly taking place may actually remove commercialism and hedonism off of people’s ears so they can hear God’s words to them, “Come to me and I will give you rest—all of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke. Wear my yoke—for it fits perfectly—and let me teach you; for I am gentle and humble, and you shall find rest for your souls; for I give you only light burdens.” Matthew 11:28