Stalled in Writing the Constitution... Are We Once Again Stalled in Acting Upon It? If You Can Keep It By Eric Metaxas

,,,Franklin understood the inherent value of virtue in society, apart from what it was that made one virtuous, whether religion or simple cultural habit, or a combination of the two.

I believe this is a good historical perspective of the time and writing of the Constitution of America. It seems to cover most of the relevant issues, except... reality...

Today's Reality

People must understand that their responsibilities as citizens are so serious as to be vital to the democracy itself. If the voter is not voluntarily selfless to some extent, and does not merely think of himself but of others; and if he does not think just about the present, but about the future, it all falls apart over time. Self-government will not work unless the citizens bear the responsibility to vote in such a way that continues their freedoms and their ability to have free elections, that continues their economic prosperity. They have to vote in a way that does not trade the future for the present.

How long did it take us to get where we are today? Perhaps it lasted only for a short time? Or, perhaps a century later we begin to see how it really impacts us...

Two issues are dominant for your consideration.

Constructing the Constitution was not an easy task.  Yet it was created within 100 days! OK, let's face it, it is rare that anything substantive goes through Congress in as many days. Is that cause for alarm? I think so.

One of the issues was that of slavery... Many of those involved owned other people, called slaves. They were treated as less than human and for their representation? Well, that in itself is mind-boggling... You see, there was significant division among the members, specifically how slaves would be "counted..." Could it be that gerrymandering had already begun?

It was in fact the northern, antislavery states that wanted to put this in the document. That’s because the “slave states” selfishly and cynically wanted their powerless slaves to count toward their states’ official populations—so that these states would have more power in Congress. Because the number of representatives in the House of Representatives goes by a state’s population, counting slaves would give much more power to the slave states.

If slaves were counted, those who owned them would get more power, and of course, the slaves would get none. The northern free states knew that that was wrong. But in order to move ahead, they were forced to compromise, eventually deciding that the slavery states could count their slave populations as three fifths of what they had wanted. So quite contrary to what is often understood, the three-fifths clause was a hard-fought victory for the free states over the slave states. Like many compromises, it had its ugly side...

Could it be that, even after decades of continued disagreement, we are now even more so dealing with the issue of the Black vote, as many republican states are acting against what the constitution guarantees, so that they are making it harder and harder for many individuals, including black voters, to actually be counted in our elections? Lies are being used--the election was rigged, a fraud, and The Big Lie continues to this day as the former president and his republican supporters deny that the election could not possibly have been correct. As we know, the Black Vote for Biden carried him through to The Big Win... And every action which is being taken is an attempt to stop what the country clearly wants...

So what happened to get through the monumental disagreements that needed to be negotiated. Well, once again, the knowledge that God had a hand in what was happening turned the tide... Members began to concern themselves with the good of the many--the good of the country--rather than their own self or state's goals... And after getting it done, it was still not enough. Because, the words of the Constitution had to carry the United States into the future! Into 2020, 2022, and beyond...

If you are an American, you have tacitly agreed to join that group, to keep the republic Franklin spoke of that day. You might say that I’ve written this book to inform you of what you’ve gotten yourself into, because we really ought to know. In fact, if we haven’t known about this, and most of us have not, there has been a profound disconnect in our relationship with our country. If we Americans cease to know that we are part of that group charged with the terrible and wonderful burden of keeping this glorious promise, the promise is already being broken and will soon be irrevocably so...

That flame was passed from them to others, who passed it to others, who passed it to others—and it is at this moment in history in our hands, yours and mine. The burden of “keeping it,” as Franklin said, is excruciatingly important. And here is the main reason for that: Once it goes out, it goes out forever. If the flame given to us goes out, we not only lose the light ourselves forever but will also lose the ability to pass it along to all those others who are waiting for it. That is what makes keeping it so important and the thought of letting it go out so terrible and tragic...

A second issue considered was that of our country being seen across the world as a place where freedom existed. As a leader in the Creation and Ongoing liberty available here in America, even the French and other countries saw what was happening...and that is when "She" arrived on our shores... a gift from France highlighting the welcoming arms of America to immigrants from all countries...all nations...

We even shared words to that effect: Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor, Your Huddled Masses Yearning to be Free! And our arms have been opened for decades, for centuries... And so, as America we lifted our arms and hearts to those in need of support, just as we are doing for the Ukraine citizens who are being forced from a war led by an autocrat in a country that is not...free...

I hope you've learned enough about what this book provides--a look back at the beginning...and then moving on into specific issues of whether that democracy can exist forever... Right now, we are, perhaps, facing one of the most important times in our history.

“America is the only nation 

that is founded on a creed.”

America is still the only one that can be described that way? And yet it is. And the creed upon which it is founded is not a parochial creed but a universal one, declaring that all men are created equal and that government exists only by the consent of the governed. As President Truman put it, “Being an American is more than a matter of where you or your parents came from. It is a belief that all men are created free and equal.” This touches upon another way we are exceptional. We do not give preference based on one’s family or one’s race or beliefs. We are a merit-based society where people of every background can rise as they please. Of course, there are caveats to this idea, but the truth is nonetheless overwhelming.

~~~

So, right now, let's look at some of those caveats of today's history...

January 6th, The Insurrection!

https://youtu.be/otfPps9s8HM

Jews Will Not Replace us March in Virginia

White Supremacists

https://youtu.be/9Urp4Kn0XMQ

Trump/Sessions Separates Children from Parents

https://youtu.be/l7pyQphGoc0

Trump holds money back from Ukraine

https://youtu.be/zQxL6WE3Ob8

Impeachment 2

House Impeaches Trump for Obstruction...

https://youtu.be/pdI4cwaq0j0

Impeachment 1

Women Vote Against Trump for President

https://youtu.be/Nl-KPtcNdIc

Evangelicals Make a Deal with Trump

https://youtu.be/miROBFtuEYE

Trump Support Hurts Christianity

https://youtu.be/O5VTG1NRj-s

Let's again look at the main issue that allowed America to be formed... Religious Freedom. Consider this, Folks, Religion is what gave most us our moral code--the belief in and commitment to basic humanitarian goals. America became The United States of America... With One Creed: 

It is a belief that all men are created free and equal.” 

All are created Free and Equal

All are Created Free and Equal

All are Created Free and Equal

All are Created Free and Equal

So where does that leave us now? Well, here's what I see... The Caveats (a warning or proviso of specific stipulations, conditions, or limitations) Have Gotten Out of Control, especially in the last 5 years, but also starting within the 50 last years as stated by Metaxas.

Personally, I started watching when Trump was elected... I was one of those women across America that could not believe that a presidential candidate who talked about grabbing women's genitals, could also be running as a republican...Then talk about how many women have filed abuse suits against him, together with the two most prominent who became top news about his affairs... But that didn't seem to matter, especially to the Evangelical Christians... I kept digging, doing my research, and learned that a deal had been struck... Trump would support the issues of importance to Christians (whatever they were, certainly not the words of Christ who told us to love our neighbors)... and then he could do anything he wanted...

So, what do you think the creators of the Constitution did when they heard that? Yeah...they're turning over in their graves! I've included a series of videos above in case you want to check them out... It begins with the deal-- and moves upward until the Insurrection on January 6th... And the Christians apparently still support him, right?

Wrong...Not me! And many others... We took what America stood for... Our Creed: All...are Created Free and Equal. That means, to me, when Black athletes take a knee in protest because the legal system discriminates against Blacks...that I also take a knee...

That means when Jewish synagogues are attacked because of their religion or ethnic background...that also affects me and my creed... 

When lies are made to prevent those seeking asylum into America, even to the extent that children are taken from their parents...and lost in the system, where they are still being hunted...that affects me... 

And when the Justice System also tried to prevent the Mueller report from being accepted based on the truth...that vote to show guilt of impeachment for Obstruction of Justice is made by me because I believe in our Creed... 

And when money was held back from Ukraine, even though it was approved by Congress, then I also vote for impeachment 2... 

And surely you all know that I believe I voted correctly in the 2020 election, freely and in support of the Constitution... And condemn all those involved with the January 6th Insurrection... Because It is Not in support of our Creed.

One major thing I did have come out of reading this book. I became more of an American than I Ever Have Been. Because when you are confronted with the reality of what is happening in America--Right Now! Then you Must also face, that we no longer are considered free and equal... And until those who are doing what they are doing...STOP... America as a democracy cannot stand...

 

Thanks to all of you who have been reading my articles about the book, If You Can Keep It. This is my final article.

I am more convinced than ever that America is facing a crisis that is uniquely one that no other country can ever face... 

We have failed to keep freedom of religion as a right, a privilege, 

and the creed of America... 

Why Do I Say That...

Because it can't be both ways

We open our arms, our land to all, regardless of... 

ethnic or religious background

But, we apparently want Christianity as a State Religion?

No? then why are we allowing Non-Christians, as well as those of ethnic backgrounds to be Terrorized, with religious houses of worship being targeted by domestic terrorists... and the recipients of Violence, so that even the Capitol of our Nation can be Destroyed by Insurrection?

A Final Note:

I Am A Christian

And I do NOT support anything revealed in any of the Videos (and more)

America is my country, Not My Religion

I respect America's Creed to Ensure Ethnic and Religious Freedom for All!

\

When Everybody Can Speak of Liberty

Only Then Will We Stand as in Compliance

With the Creed

With the Constitution...

Are you Able to be a Constitutional American?

Lady Gaga Perform The National Anthem At Biden’s Inauguration 

Writing the Constitution... Completion Stalled - Continuing Discussion of Eric Metaxas' If You Can Keep It!

 

The Promise: 

Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom.

—Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

In the heart of Philadelphia, in a Georgian brick building that still stands, one of the most extraordinary events in the history of the world took place. There, in what is today called Independence Hall, over the course of about one hundred days in the summer of 1787, some of the most brilliant men of that or any other era created what would become the Constitution of a new country. They were creating the legal foundation for a form of government that had never been tried before; and they were creating the possibility—and the golden and glorious promise—of something called the United States of America.

The key to the entire book is given to readers on the very first page! Did you pick it out... Did you think to yourself, "I didn't know that..." I did, and so did the author. In fact, my guess is that the majority of Americans don't know. And those that do are into history--big time! The United States is the first-ever democracy in America!

One person knew--Martin Luther King, Jr., in his "I Have A Dream" speech spotlighted it... the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence before it constituted a “promissory note to which every American was to fall heir.”

Centuries have passed and much had been accomplished. However, the fact is that that promise had not been accomplished immediately. Dr. King did not see it... And it has still not been accomplished, has it?

I didn't know, because as far as I am aware, it was never highlighted in public schools.  So, what about our country was different? It was a simple fact that never sunk in to most of us. Yes, we are the first country to have actually established a democracy! By now, we all know that a democracy means freedom--freedom for all... But, really, Metaxas confirms that the goal, freedom for all, has not yet been accomplished. In fact, could it be that we are now in danger of ever accomplishing complete freedom for all? Or, can we say that there has been a major stall...

Each of us--each American is given the responsibility for creating, and sustaining freedom... So, how did the Founding Fathers determine that now was the time to begin to formalize and create a government that would oversee what was largely expanding and already had been governing ourselves at the local, colony level? Indeed, there were already power struggles by those who wanted...more... 

One key factor was that the Founding Fathers gathered... believed...

It was a nation held together by an idea and by citizens who bought into that idea. They were of different backgrounds and different religions. Some of them lived in Maine and others in Virginia and others in Georgia—and others in all the colonies in between. But they all were Americans because they voluntarily believed in that idea. That a nation could be held together by people believing in an idea was unprecedented, as I have said. It had never happened before... And the idea in which they believed was...

Liberty

And one of the reasons they believed was that they had gained experience... Decade upon decade showed that no matter that there were different ethnic groups, or religions, still there was no real division within the colonies established by that time. Self-governing became routine. To me, that was important. We needed the time to watch and see what was to happen in America. Would it fail? Or, would it succeed... And, the entire world was watching...

Still, there were so many issues and so many people who had immigrated from other countries.  What would enable a group of people to be trusted to govern themselves and then actually to do so? I wasn't surprised, but had not really considered the ramifications of what Metaxas carefully pointed out... Maybe that's why each citizen needs to learn what he says? For, perhaps, these days, as we ask the question, can democracy survive? We must undoubtedly turn to the present division among America... And we must also look as Ukraine, a democracy, is facing an autocratic leader of another country who is waging war on it citizens...simply because of power and greed. We all know it; we see it there. But do we also think, is this where America might end up? Fighting for a democracy that is no longer able to say that we are all self-governing...together...

So what enabled the Founding Fathers to trust we could be self-governing?

Religion

...Religious freedom was paramount. It was always understood that one’s religion was truly free, which is to say not coerced nor mandatory nor affiliated with the power of the state in any way. This was also unprecedented...

Let's look at this subject as it, first, relates to what happened.  What we know is that many who fled their countries for America was for religious freedom. It was the norm at that time that most countries named a specific religion for its population. What we also know, though, is that all religions in the world have a basic form of accountability. It is that which had already developed in us to love, to care for our neighbors, to be trustworthy, to follow the words of that religion to which we belong. So, while we as a nation wanted liberty, we also, in our religious lives, answered to a deity. Indeed most of our moral training came from gatherings and teachings of our religious groups. 

Here's my first "yes-but." The reason is very clear, at least for me, that we no longer have those basic moral beliefs. At this time in America, we have many who escaped for freedom from murder or worse, enslavement, and have been turned away. We know that all religions are no longer given liberty to worship... Muslims, Jews, and those with Eastern religious backgrounds are now being personally attacked... We know that groups such as Proud Boys, the KKK, White Supremacists, QAnon--specifically all those who conducted an insurrection on the United States Capitol, and many others, no longer are willing to share liberty, freedom... or especially religious liberty... in our democracy. Fortunately, they are not the majority of citizens in America, as evidenced by the last election. But politics for political power's sake is now running rampant in America, again, in my personal opinion...

So what happened when the Founding Fathers work stalled... The document had been written, but consensus could not come...

Next: A Stalled Body of Founding Fathers Moves Forward...

Hi Again, I hope you will feel comfortable enough to question, to respond, to share your thoughts about this book (or my interpretation of what was happening or is happening)! Jot them down, or leave thoughts or questions as comments!

God bless,

Glenda

The beginning... People Were Fleeing From Religious Persecution - They had Heard of A New Land - of Freedom!

 Good Morning! It's rainy here in my area of Pennsylvania. Cats have been fed, the first task I do each morning... So, let me tell you what I'm thinking. Upfront, I've never been in a location where I could join a book club...so I have no idea what actually happens or how it takes place...except of course what I've read in books! And that normally includes... eating... LOL  So grab a cup of coffee or tea, if you want, and, maybe some crackers and cheese, before you start reading...

Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, 

but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom. 

—Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America

Books are my lifeline and I'm reading some awesome books! Right now, though, as I posted in one of my Facebook groups, when I first saw the picture that had been posted in

The world goggled at it. They also wondered: What would become of this great and strange bark? Would it sail long or soon sink? No one could know. And if it was to succeed and last, precisely how would it do that? How could it, being so very fragile? Why should it float for long? And yet it did. Whatever it was that they created that summer in that building has so grown and flourished in the more than two centuries following that it is simply without equal.

one of my Facebook groups,  hosted by Author Cam Rascoe. I realized just how much of a burden it had become for me--what I see as the present situation in America... I must immediately say that the book, If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty, not only answered all of my questions, but also actually lightened my burden. You see, I really didn't need to carry that burden alone...In fact, many of you might also, probably, carry the same burden, alone, or with others, trying to deal with today's world. And, let's face it, nobody could have projected the pain, the suffering, the turmoil of the Corona Pandemic. That, alone, was enough to carry! But, there was so much more, wasn't there?

It felt like we were a divided country politically--and indeed we were as events will have shown. Yet, Eric Metaxas had written a book a number of years ago which was the answer. I didn't know, he admits he didn't know...and probably many of you guessed at it, like I did, but didn't really "know." what was behind our present situation.

Many of my Facebook friends have talked about historical events as leading to where we are. But, for me, Metaxas took it further. He did the research, which is provided in the back of his book, and set about discovering what the issue was... Simple? No, because you had to consider the historical context in which the evolution had occurred...

Most of us know from history that immigrants by the millions were flocking to the new land to escape religious persecution. Historically, most countries were of one ethnic group or of race. Most countries were tied to a specific religion and many books tell of what that resulted in. One in particular that has been written about often was that the church was normally behind what we now think of as witch hunts (even if that phrase was used incorrectly by a recent top official)... It was another God Incident for me that, as I normally am reading a fiction and non-fiction book at the same time, I selected another book I'd had in my library, to read--The Alchemist's Gift by Mark Giglio

As a side look at a somewhat related book, this time travel novel takes us back to the time when women were being burned--as known at this time, all were not guilty, except for knowing a lot about herbs, or, sometimes, just being in the wrong place at the wrong time... and, then, I am always frustrated to know that it was never the white man who participated in sex with other than their wives, who were accused; but rather, that the witch's wiles or potions were responsible. By the way, this book had a wonderful twist to it that made it relevant...fictionally...

Think about Thanksgiving and how the relationship between Indigenous Americans and the immigrants are portrayed... Indeed, consider that during the early years, many immigrants of different religions or races lived together, working on their new lands, beginning a new life. Towns and then cities were created and self-governed--learning as they went along what was needed to meet the basic needs of all those now living in America...

BTW, if you are already thinking of, "yes-buts," that's ok! Questions will undoubtedly start formulating... Make a note of it... Or feel free to add them to the comments section on each article so that we can clarify where necessary. My guess is that we will have covered most issues before we finish the book...

And so it was that as local governments handled much of what needed to be done to manage their areas, it soon became necessary to look toward something more. Perhaps a group, a government that would have some basic oversight duties and responsibilities?

A Constitution? A method by which fundamental principles that would become legal and used to govern what was a fast-growing expansion of the local towns, cities, and soon to be states?

Founding Fathers began to be selected for this important activity and the gathering of issues to be included started to be spotlighted for consideration...

It was 1787 in Philadelphia, in what we now call Independence Hall that, in 100 days, the most brilliant of those living then, began to create the legal document for what would soon to be The United States of America... Men like Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, George Washington, James Madison et.al., most of the names are easily remembered even centuries later... It was a massive endeavor...and a first ever attempt to create a republic, with a sacred promise to those living and for the dreamed of future...

But it was not an easy task. Many had different opinions, concerns--just as are today. Finally discussions had stalled. Was it even possible to have believed this was possible? Because, even then, everybody in the world...was...watching...

Next...Writing the document...Completion Stalled...

~~~

On a Personal note, I'll be visiting my doctor tomorrow who will be doing my hip replacement surgery. The surgery is scheduled in May... This has been a difficult time. I cannot walk without a walker for support. I am in pain in every movement...and worse when I sit for a long time. But I had decided that since I was going to be in pain, I might as well be doing what I enjoy most... So, I've been blogging for a few weeks... Yes with lots of pain getting up and down from computer and getting moving again... I'll let you know more as my surgery gets closer... God Bless!

"I Don't Know Who You Are..." -- If You Can Keep It:The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty by Eric Metaxas

 Who I am...

It was not surprising to me when an individual recently said to me, "I don't know who you are..."

Have you ever received such a blunt statement from anybody? Well, probably more of us should, don't you think? I am now old enough to be able to remember at least 50-60 years ago. I have taken some detours, maybe especially lately it may seem to some, but basically I've been the same person I've always been...Me...

The key issue is how many have taken the time to know me? I think I've been fairly open with "me." But, then, I don't necessarily do much to do so, except as part of what I may be involved with... You know, like something is bothering me... or something has made me curious, so I do a little research to find out more. I've always been a "Why?" person. And if I don't have an answer, I probably will go buy a relevant book and explore what it says...using my desire to "Know Thyself..." I may or may not be influenced by what I read...to me, that's key. I don't read or listen to anybody and automatically believe it is truth... I've learned that the hard way. That skepticism has hardened over the last few years when many of us discovered just how much lying occurs in today's politics... 

Over 1.5 million have come to know me and the books I read through my blog... But as far as I am aware, nobody--none of my family or friends--routinely read my blog, or even have visited just once... Don't you think that if somebody  really did want to know who I was, they would seek out "more information"?

The question was somewhat related to religion...and somewhat related to politics... Most of my readers know that I claim Jesus as my Savior... But that, recently, because of politics, I don't claim to be religious. In fact, I've even talked about a little book I read years ago, How to be a Christian Without Being Religious. For me, I believe the Bible is inspired by God. I do not believe it should be considered the actual word of God. That is where I find I'm "not considered" a Christian for those who do believe that.

Why is that important these days? Well, because I am actually embarrassed to use the word Christian...given what has, in my mind, been used during the last 5 years, by evangelical christians, to conduct their desires within the political realm. Even to the extent of selecting a man, who only claimed, when asked, that he tried to be good, and then later proceeded to hold a Bible up for a photo op... While never, as far as I've heard, quoting scripture or even mentioning God in his life, although I could be wrong... 

Now that's not the key for me... Many cannot quote scripture, including me... I know some by memory, but it is the words that have always been captured in my heart and brain, rather than the ability to quote something, especially, part of something that is being used to create misinformation... and subsequent actions.

I can still picture Jeff Sessions, reading a scripture about obeying those in government...and then proceeding to deliver the new policy that would separate children from their parents at the border... 

Then I consider that the Catholic Church does not permit Joe Biden to take communion, because he supports pro-choice... Yet, I hear Joe quoting scripture, openly saying "God Bless..." as routine--so much so that it is clear to anybody who allows Joe to be heard, knows Joe as a man of God who works long and diligently to act on that foundation.

Get the idea of my confusion...just exactly "who" can be called a Christian, who believes in Christ, the Son of God...and the Holy Trinity...

There is a lot of confusion these days. Why would the evangelical christians support Trump to the extent they did/do? Has the corruption of power and egotism he exhibits meant nothing to those who claim him just because he is republican? If they don't see what I see, does that make me wrong and them right? Or vice versa? 

I'd like to share an event that was very important to me, which I've only shared with one person, until now. On the last day I was in the hospital for removal of a tumor from my brain, a hospital chaplain (title used to prevent saying a particular religion) came to visit me. I later realized that I had been overly affected by a pain medication, which I later learned was highly addictive and would not be prescribed again. Actually, I weaned myself away from it even though I still had some to finish, using instead my non-aspirin pain pills. The latter is important, I think, because when she came in, I was barely able to "NOT" begin to cry and to talk to her about my personal burden of the split of Christianity that I saw, purely because of politics... Without going into detail, as I calmed, she prayed for me... it was the first time I had spoken to anybody about how I felt God was leading me in relation to the political influence that had erupted as a certain set of Christians openly supported and defended the man who was then president--one who we later learned via the 2020 election, that the majority of Americans felt needed to be taken out of office.

But then, within my family, I was seen as somebody that nobody knew... I had not changed, except as I was being given guidance through praying and the Holy Spirit... Yet, confusion and discomfort and even anger was occurring...

So, I was led to another book!

As a book lover, I have hundreds of unread ebooks, which I freely add to my library if I am interested in reading. I really don't remember when I added the book but it's been out for a couple of years, so I probably added it at that time. Then one recent evening, I came upon the title, not knowing what it was, and opened it! It was another God Incident for me...

I'm about 3/4 of the way through reading... It is amazing that God gives me the exact book I need when I need it...

You see, I think of myself as an average American... My life has been full working and studying for the job but also having a church life with singing in the choir or contributing to music as needed. Like I said, up until about five years ago, there was really no reason for me to do something totally different... I was an Independent politically until I saw what was really happening and then I changed to become a democrat so I could vote in the primaries... I also began to "feed" on the news, trying to understand the chaos, but also trying to understand how my Christian life had all of a sudden become so very complicated, even to the extent of being judged... Was I really a Christian? Then I was told that Christians vote republican... Then I was told that I seemed to not consider the Bible the word of God (which I don't - there is a wide difference to believing that a book is inspired versus the actual word of God)... Was it me that was confused... Thankfully, the hospital chaplain realized my confusion enough to say that she thought I had been given a mission and that I should believe in continuing... which did not eliminate the confusion and frustration, but at least had given me a confirmation from a believer that I had been so lost without.

Many writers I've read and/or talked to, use their books to share their faith. A considerable number have been historical--something that could be helpful these days, don't you think? In fact, the author of the book clearly admits that he didn't know...what I didn't know... And I'm guessing that, maybe, just maybe, you, my readers may also not know... It's so important that I'm writing this article today, sharing the title, so that, if you wish, you might want to get a copy... 

Because, here's what I want to do. I want to host a book club review of this book... You don't have to participate, you don't have to even read the book...but I truly believe that this is a book that Americans need to be reading right now, today...or at least having the opportunity to learn about all of those things that I didn't know about and got excited just reading the book and thinking how to share the thousands of words that are so important, just because, as the author states, things started to change in America about 50 years ago... 

And I'm old enough to have been an intelligent participant beginning those 50 years ago! My American history is lacking and only what would have been taught when I was in school about 60 years ago, forms the basics of my knowledge...together with what I've learned through books! The specifics of American History to be shared may be as unknown to you as they were to me, Sadly... I'm not ashamed of that void in education, because like I said, I was working and studying for the majority of my professional life--just like many of you have been doing...  It's the reality of America right now that dual-career marriages are the norm for many... And there are many single female and/or divorced women with children who barely have time to even eat lunch, little on sleep all the hours that we need to.

Finally, I would share that in my early years, we were considered poor. My father had been killed in a mine accident before I was born. My mother worked constantly with home nursing, cleaning and even cleaning our local church, to which she always ensured we went whenever the doors were open. I was baptized at age 13, if my memory is correct. I consider my greatest gift of the Spirit from God is Empathy. He has given me the gift to understand what another person is going through. I think of myself as a "Doubting Thomas" related to religiosity. I wanted to "know" for myself...and I have been honored in that role all of my life... I've been led to read the books of many writers which would be ignored by many of the Christian faith. I have never lost faith because of those books, but rather gained a broader perspective on life in today's world because of them. I hope you'll take the time to read the following articles that will be based upon this book. I don't know how many I will provide...that's up to what is given to me as I start to write...mostly...but will also include my opinions, and welcome YOURS!

Book Description

In 1787, when the Constitution was drafted, a woman asked Ben Franklin what the founders had given the American people. "A republic," he shot back, "if you can keep it." More than two centuries later, Metaxas examines what that means and how we are doing on that score.

If You Can Keep It is at once a thrilling review of America's uniqueness—including our role as a "nation of nations"—and a chilling reminder that America's greatness cannot continue unless we embrace our own crucial role in living out what the founders entrusted to us. Metaxas explains that America is not a nation bounded by ethnic identity or geography, but rather by a radical and unprecedented idea, based on liberty and freedom for all. He cautions us that it's nearly past time we reconnect to that idea, or we may lose the very foundation of what made us exceptional in the first place.

For variety and to give myself time to reread and absorb a section at a time, realize I don' plan on using a lot of excerpts, rather I'll identify the topic, and then share and raise questions for consideration... maybe giving my own opinion, dependent on what is covered in that post. I will probably include other types of articles as well during the next week or so... But you can always check to find postings of recent additions... 

Some adjectives I would use for this book, outstanding research, timely, amazing, must-read, Affects all Americans, Has America Changed? Unknown Historical Events, Losing Democracy?