The Axiomatic Character of American National Identity

The U2 song "Bullet the Blue Sky" (from the album The Joshua Tree) perhaps sums up the axiomatic character of American National Identity.

On the one hand, we are truly "land of the free, home of the brave." We have freedom of the press (somewhat eroding under both corporate and governmental "Big Brother" watching over it all of the time). We are a brave people, whether it is the U.S. Marine Corps doing the dirty job of killing the Taliban so that we can sip our Starbucks in Manhattan in safety OR the brave Pro-Life movement (with leaders such as Randall Terry and George W. Bush and Antonin Scalia) bravely "bucking the trend" of viewing babies as disposal cargo who can be killed if a pregnancy ever gets in the way of attending Harvard's Ph.D. program.

In U2's "Bullet the Blue Sky," such freedom and bravery are nevertheless exposed to a paradoxical critique. The same nation that sided with Lech Walesa in helping to overthrow communism in the formerly Soviet Eastern bloc countries is also the country that has sided with Latin American fascism in its efforts to eradicate communism from the Globe. In one poignant guitar-rift, the Edge (U2's guitarist) belts out this angry cord of justice-seeking in reference to the content of the song, namely the U.S.'s support of fascism in El Salvador during the 1980's. "Pounding of the women and children, pounding of the women and children . . . who run, into the arms, of America."

Yes, America, the beautiful land of freedom is also the land, that at times has supported the wrong side in world diplomacy. Yes, Marxism is virulently anti-American (much worse, anti-Christian!), and so Pope Benedict XVI is correct in silencing theologians who are ideologically Marxist (i.e. Liberation Theologians). Yes, Marxism should be opposed by the United States. But in confronting one enemy, one should not embrace another! The devilish hand of Marxism should not be fought with the unmerciful hand of neo-fascism, neither the Latin American nor the Western European version (e.g. the Minutemen Militia who opposed Mexican immigration due to racism rather than true concern for securing our national borders against drug runners and Al Qaida). "The pounding of the women and children, the pounding of the women and children . . . who run into the arms of America."

Truly, our Nation State will prosper to the extent that we welcome refugees from war-torn lands. Lands such as the Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan will produce the next generation of cab drivers, coffee shop owners, and indeed the next Senators and Congressman of the new America. From South Korea, the Christian Church has received the flame of the Holy Spirit and proud South Korean clergymen now serve as Chaplains in our U.S. Armed Forces. "Yo te quiero" is no longer the sound of Latin American love-making alone, but instead is the Tele Savalas meets Ricky Martin "La Vida Loca" nuevo romantico of the United States. To be Latin is to be a lover, not to be a destitute orange grove migrant worker.

No, America has prospered to the extent that we have welcomed and incorporated the many unique threads of world cultures into our fabric of National Identity. And for people escaping the ravages of state-supported terror (El Salvador in the 1980's) or the pernicious appeal of Marxist ideology (Cuba in the late 20th and early 21st century), such FREEDOM and BRAVERY it turns out are QUITE APPEALING! In fact, some of the bravest U.S. soldiers I know come from places such as India, the Philippines, Africa or Latin America. TRUE BLUE Americans, willing to fight and die for their country.

Won't you now join with me in insuring for these brave men and women who immigrated to the United States that the U.S.A. that we know and love will always be worth dying for . . .

Pro Deo et Patria ("For God and Country")
Rob J King, concerned American

Overcoming the Iraq War Fall-Out . . .

I just received an e-mail from a Battalion Chaplain who is of the Southern Baptist persuasion. This Army Chaplain, a former missionary to Brazil and other places, is quite astute at noticing subtle cultural dynamics at play in world events.

In fact, this Chaplain was our "intel" person when I was in attendance recently at Chaplain's Officer Basic Training. Not compromising any type of National Security interests, I can still nonetheless state, without equivocation, that this "intel" Chaplain friend is seeing what the mainline media is also seeing, that is a gradual erosion of American identity as caused by the War in Iraq.

Whereas at the founding of the Great American Republic, the freedom of the press, freedom of religion and freedom of speech were highly valued by men such as Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and even my own "great, great, great uncle on my grandma's side," the late George Walton a signer of the Declaration of Independence, now American cultural identity is extinct.

To be American no longer means things like "due process under law" or "respect for intrinsic inalienable rights such as life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." No, American identity is essentially a hodge-podge of pop culture shaped as much by Mr. T, Dora the Explorer, the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, Guess jeans and New York the Big Apple where no one wants to live, but everyone actually claims as the "American City."

Truly, fractured times that we are now facing as a people called Americans. George Orwell wrote 1984 concerning "Big Brother," and sure enough "Big Brother" is always watching. From eye retina scans at check-cashing places or surveillance cameras in Ybor City (a historic party-town area of Tampa, FL), we are a Nation that is no longer truly American.

Now is the time, therefore, to reclaim our distinctively American heritage. Let us reclaim the right of the press to report events freely, and without bias, nor government and corporate surveillance! Let us reclaim freedom of religion. Let us reclaim the right to LIFE, the most fundamental of human rights, and oppose DEATH in all of its forms, whether it is the killing of babies (abortion), the killing of the mentally ill (the slippery slope of physician-assisted suicide laws) or the use of capital punishment when other options are more readily available such as life internment, the official Life Ethic of the 1 billion member Catholic communion by the way.

Let us reclaim America!

God Bless,
Rob J King, Republican Political Voice

OPSEC

I am a military chaplain. As a military chaplain I am required to abide by the law of the land (UCMJ) and also the LAW of the LORD, the One and Only True God.

I am obviously indebted to the United States of America. I am indebted because for most of our history, it was not only easy to be a Christian, but in fact being a Christian was the norm. President after President, whether Democrat or Republican, have always been Christian. Whether it is a Southern Baptist genius scholar like Bill Clinton, or an Evangelical Methodist "blue-blood" from Yale such as George W. Bush, Presidents have been Christian.

This may change. Islam is the fastest growing religion in America. Mormonism, an off-shoot of classic orthodox Christianity is also one of the fastest growing religions in America. Scientology is prevalent among the movie stars (Tom Cruise and John Travolta!), and even cults such as satanism and Wicca (a form of witchcraft) are officially recognized religions by the United States military (whether or not they should be is an entirely different story altogether . . .).

Here is where our Nation State is in peril. Whereas in previous times, America could at least gather around the central figures of Abraham, Moses and the rest of the Judeo-Christian tradition (thereby infusing the Republic with Judeo-Christian moral ideals), now with unmitigated religious pluralism (satanism?) the chances of any type of true morality holding together our republic seem slim indeed.

That was the old America. Not the "historic America" of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Abe Lincoln, et al. No, the old America of post 1960's religious pluralism, infanticide (abortion), gay rights, etc. The old America that may in fact be in steep decline.

Here is why. Turns out "traditional religion" is on the rise!

From rosaries dawning the dashboards of nearly every Hispanic automobile to Pentecostal dove insignias on the back of SUV's, America seems to be increasingly saying, "Give me that old time religion." Not only, give me that old time religion, but give us our Christianity back. We WANT JESUS!

Here is where a true hope now lies in the political arena. Whether Democrats such as Barak Obama (a true man of Christian belief apparently) or Republicans like myself ;-) being a "Jesus-freak" turns out is not only respected, but desired in the political arena.

Now, that I am a declared "Jesus-freak," the rest is up to the LORD Jesus and God the Father and God the Holy Spirit to do. Move me Jesus, Move me Holy Spirit, Move me Father God. In the words of Jesus, "not my will, but thine be done" Father, on earth as it is in heaven . . .

This is the truest form of "Operational Security" that we as a Nation State can have. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the LORD of hosts. If we are threatened by Islamic fundamentalist radicals, we will not win this War on Terror by means of military finesse. Any computer program can be hacked. Any secret security clearance broken. Any country betrayed from within. Lenin apparently was able to initiate the Bolshevik uprising in the old Russia with a relatively small handful of fellow conspirators. Whether it is satanists or communists or Islamic fundamentalist radicals, the same could have happened here. Unlike pre-Soviet Russia, however, a Nation that fell to the communist regime because of its theological apostasy, that is, it's collective turning away from Christian belief and practice, America, the great U.S.A. still hankers after that "old timey religion." Whether it is a Billy Graham Crusade, Benny Hinn, or praying the rosary in parish after parish, people are hungry for Jesus.

Put your trust in Jesus. Only through Jesus can we as a people called America have a true and lasting "OPSEC" (Operational Security).

Love in Jesus, KING of kings, and LORD of lords,
Rob J King, political candidate for Jesus

Happy Birthday to my favorite family member!

In the highest echelons of academic power, at points it is necessary to "honor" those who positively shape your life. One example is what is called a "feschrift" which is a collection of essays to honor a particular faculty member who has left an indelible mark on others.

Well, Michelle, my learned niece who has always read the best books and listened to the absolute best contemporary music (her uncle Rob's U2, the Violent Femmes, R.E.M., the Cure, et al), I will now honor you with an On-Line "feschrift" of sorts that will be a collection of wisdom that I have learned from you my beloved niece . . .

First, never speak ill of another person. It may (and usually does!) come back to haunt us!

Second, always choose one's romantic partners very carefully. It may (and usually did!) come back to haunt us!

Third, always believe in Jesus, but don't just go along with the self-righteous religious Christian crowd because they may themselves be far from Who Jesus actually is!

Fourth, always practice GRACE. Yes, we each can be scatter-brained about birthdays, dates on the calendar, but GRACE and love covers all of this.

Fifth, always go roller-blading. Okay, I never actually do this because I would get blisters, but you inspire me with your tenacity.

Love always,
Tu Tio Roberto (Rob J King)

The "Bi-Polar"-ization of American Politics

I have a dear friend who works in a Physician's Office. This dear friend, a brilliant and insightful mind (straight A student just about) swears up and down that a link can be made between pharmaceutical companies "pushing" certain drugs in order to bolster profits, but pushing drugs that do not have any legitimate medical need for these drugs.

Take the most recent issue of U.S. News & World Report for example. Wedged within its pages are full-page ads for drugs such as Celebrex (to alleviate arthritis pain), Nexium (to alleviate acid reflux disease), Lipitor (to reduce the risk of stroke), Lunesta (to treat sleep disorders) and Seroquel (to alleviate the supposed psycho-somatic disorder known as "bi-polar disorder").

Okay, now this has gone totally overboard! In a 65 page magazine, a total of FIVE advertisements for pharmaceuticals!

Who ever heard of taking an aspirin? (to alleviate the pain & inflammation of arthritis) Who ever heard of pepto bismal to relieve one's stomach? Who ever heard of warm milk before going to bed in order to sleep more soundly? Finally, regarding the "pseudo-disorder" of "bi-polar disorder" (formerly called "manic-depression") who ever heard of just taking a nice walk in the park to even out one's mood? It seems to work well for the squirrels and the ducks . . .

On a more serious note, while still noting the vested financial interests in the pharmaceutical companies either inventing new disorders (e.g. ADHD children who are anesthetized with ritalin), the recent 'cult of the psycho-therapeutic' has reached new heights of audacity. For example, in politics, it is now somewhat 'vogue' to dismiss one's opponents neither by rational dialogue, nor by intellectual acumen, but by simply labeling them as "delusional." One most horrifying example of such psycho-babble mud-slinging is the recent statement by Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean calling President George W. Bush, our Nation's duly elected Commander 'delusional.'

This is more than irresponsible politics, folks. This is out right anti-Americanism.

At no time in our nation's history, short of the actual Civil War, have two political parties been so vehemently pitted against each other. Silence the opposition by any means necessary is the political mantra of the day. Both parties use scare tactics, exclusion, and now at the height of immoral political behavior, calling the President 'delusional.'

Truly we live in fractured times. The War in Iraq is a mess by any person's estimation. Osama bin Laden is still at large. The economy sputters along. And what do the politicians do about it? Well, short of any true wisdom, they seek to gain power by any means necessary. Pure, unbridled Machiavellianism is the order de jeur in the American political scene. Don't try to argue with an opponent. Instead, just label them 'delusional.'

Truly American politics need FRESH political voices!

If you are interested in a new, bi-partisan, highly intelligent form of politics rooted in the moral ideals that founded the American Republic (Ideals such as due process under law, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and protection of the unborn), then please send an e-mail to me.

God bless,
Rob J King, Republican Political Voice

nor prohibiting the 'free exercise thereof' . . .

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

--The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America (protecting freedom of religion and freedom of speech to include freedom of the press)

I am a military chaplain. I do not say that I am a military chaplain in order to advance a partisan political cause. My views find a home in both the Democrat and the Republican Parties. I am in correspondence with both Democrats and Republicans. I am a Chaplain in the Army Reserves in order to INSURE that the religious freedom of U.S. soldiers is FULLY respected. Whether it is the necessity of attending Catholic mass, the practice of Islamic Friday prayer or the practice of speaking in tongues as part of Christian worship (Pentecostal), I am to insure the 'free exercise' of religion. I am also a military chaplain at a time in our Nation's history in which this second provision of the First Amendment is under attack from BOTH sides of the political spectrum.

The liberal anti-Constitutionalist wishes to eradicate all expressions of religion in the public sphere, which is a violation of the 1st Amendment due to this intrinsically 'prohibiting the free exercise thereof' of religious expression, part of which IS public. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the U.S. Civil Rights movement of the 1960's WELL-demonstrated the need for such PROPHETIC political witness (pressure even) that is necessary for our "polis," (i.e. our government at the Federal, State and Local levels) to be critically scrutinized for potential abuses of power.

The conservative anti-Constitutionalist similarly wishes to eradicate the free exercise of religion. Rather than limiting "other religions," however, usually the conservative anti-Constitutionalist will either subtly or directly pressure fellow Christians to not fully practice the tenets of their respective faith, whether it is limiting Mennonites who wish to remain pacifists (abuses perpetrated against Indiana Mennonite farmers during WW I) OR limiting Trinitarian prayer in the public sphere. To limit the free exercise of religion (with some exceptions that would necessarily violate laws protecting children, animal cruelty, etc) would therefore be anti-Constitutional, and there in turn, anti-American.

No, rather than being an anti-Constitutionalist, of either the Liberal or the Conservative stripe, as a citizen of the United States (and as an Officer in the United States Army), I am to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, the founding document that has maintained the structural and political integrity of due political and judicial process, albeit imperfectly, but nonetheless powerfully for the past two centuries. To not support the Constitution is to be un-American, and Thank God, I have been BLESSED to be born into a Republic although imperfect, is nonetheless vitally committed to upholding such moral ideals.

God bless,
Rob J King

Why I Like Opus Dei

Opus Dei. The Name itself sends "chills" through many living in the postmodern West. Inspired by the fictitious account of "Silas" the Opus Dei monk in the monumental best-seller The Da Vinci Code, Opus Dei is now a household name. In fact, due to reading The Da Vinci Code (or at least the first third of the novel), I too researched Opus Dei, read about its founder, and even met with a numerary of Opus Dei.

So, what is it that I like about Opus Dei?

Well, contrary to misconception that Opus Dei is some sado-masochist Roman Catholic cult, Opus Dei, instead reflects the essence of true Catholicism and its commitment to complete sanctification. Sanctification of work itself is stressed through focusing on how whatever daily task we do, whether it is preparing people's taxes at H & R Block or sweeping the trash of a city side-walk, Opus Dei calls its members to pursue holiness in and through their daily work. In fact, the very name Opus Dei means simply "Work of God" which in itself is a reflection of how the Redemption of Jesus Christ not only affects our souls, but also our physical bodies (Catholic Incarnational Theology), so that all of our daily work can be "lifted up" as a sacrificial love offering to the LORD.

Sanctification, for Opus Dei, also involves practices such daily reception of the Eucharist, the Physical Body and Blood of Jesus in the bread and the wine, daily prayers such as the rosary, and weekly confession. In short, Opus Dei is simply orthodox Catholicism, neither extremist, nor a "cult." Truly, some practices such as corporal mortification seem psychotic to many in the modern psycho-therapeutic West, yet when set within their proper theological context, even corporal mortification is nothing other than a vicarious sharing in the suffering of Jesus Christ. In places like Latin America in which pilgrims will walk on their knees as an offering of penance in union with Jesus' sufferings on Calvary, such practices are deemed beautiful, and a life-giving form of piety. In the modern West in which all suffering should be avoided at all costs, and any intentionally-inflicted suffering, irregardless of its theological (or anthropological context) is also deemed deviant at best and psychotic at worst.

No, even the most "extreme" practices of Opus Dei (such as corporal mortification) have an extremely well-grounded history set within 2000 years of Christian practice and still a part of the devotional practices of many Catholics throughout the globe.

So, why do I find Opus Dei so attractive you may still be wondering?

In short, I am impressed by Opus Dei's rigor, Opus Dei's scrutiny of sin, Opus Dei's continual call to repentance, Opus Dei's centering in the Eucharist and Opus Dei's sharing of resources. In short, Opus Dei is trying to simply be the Church.

Blessings,
Rob J King