The political environment has become frustrating for many Americans. It is an environment filled with misinformation, dishonesty, and an increasing distain for those who disagree. The first two have been a part of politics for a long time but it is the rise of the latter which should worry us the most. American currency holds the words “E Pluribus Unum” which is Latin for “Out of many, one.” This country was founded on the idea that anyone is welcome and even though our cultures, backgrounds, and ideas may be different, we can work together to create one great country.

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On September 11th 2001, I saw evil in a way that was more real to me than it had been before. I watched that morning with the world as evil men who had declared me their enemy flew planes into buildings killing thousands of my countrymen. Men, women, fathers, daughters, sons, friends, just like me. The world changed for me that day. I was awakened to the reality that there were millions of radical Muslims who had declared me their enemy and sought my destruction. This was something that I had not realized before. From that moment I began reading, listening, and thinking with a seriousness that I had not previously had. I wanted to understand reality and not be fooled by any notions of what I thought reality should be. I began thinking critically about the principals at work in this complicated world in which I lived. I began to first ask, “what is true?'” Only after feeling comfortable with the answers that came from that question would I then try to decide what to do about that truth. This search for understanding and wisdom will go on my entire life, but it will only be fruitful if I rigidly demand the first question to be, ”what is true?” Only then can I formulate opinions and solutions that are based in reality and thereby result in some actual value to the world.

The threat on western culture from radical Islam is not one of policy or economics. It is one of ideology and faith. These people are converted to a faith that demands their obedience by eradicating the infidel. They have declared us their enemy and seek our destruction. Our options are simple: be defeated, defeat them, convert to their faith, convert them from their faith. There are no other options.

For further insight into this clash of civilizations I recommend the following books:

Civilization and Its Enemies, Lee Harris

Infidel, Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Because They Hate, Brigitte Gabriel

Now They Call Me Infidel, Nonie Darwish

President Obama has decided to speak to elementary kids during school. There is a worksheet for the children and the teachers are encouraged to read books about Barack Obama if they desire to learn more about the president. This has created quite a stir among those who are not supporters of President Obama generally. This has been done before by presidents including President Bush Senior and President Ronald Regan. Everyone needs to take a deep breath. This is, to quote Shakespeare, much ado about nothing. Now, let me be clear. The President should show respect to the parents by providing the text of the speech and the worksheet prior to delivering it to the children, but even if he doesn’t he should make sure his remarks and the worksheet are appropriate and not pushing any agenda. He should restrict his remarks to themes such as, ‘How can you serve and support your country’, ‘Stay in school’, ‘Don’t do drugs’, and similar such messages. He should stay away from talking about any specific policy, especially if those policies do not have almost universal support on both sides of the political spectrum. If he is able to do that, then there is nothing wrong with a President of the United States of America reaching out to say an encouraging word to the youth of the nation. If he cannot limit his message in this way then he flirts with the problem of providing propaganda to these young impressionable minds, and that would be highly inappropriate. While the concern is understandable, America has serious problems that need serious solutions. Let's keep our eye on those and not get distracted by the small stuff.

President Obama made the following statement five days prior to becoming our 44th President. “We are 5 days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of America.” It is statements like these which politicians make with ease and create a great deal of unease within me. America, not withstanding her flaws, has been and still is the greatest force for good this Earth has ever seen. We have spilt more blood and spent more treasure for the defense of our own liberty, and the liberty of other nations than any other nation in history. The United States has been the source of more technological advancements, which have raised the standard of living, than any other nation. The United States of America has given more freedom and security to women, African-Americans, Latinos, and other minorities than any other society. Given these truths about America, what American fundamentals does President Obama wish to change? In order to change something fundamentally you must change the fundamentals upon which that thing is built. Our fundamentals are found on every coin and bill - Liberty, In God We Trust, and Out of Many, One. They are found in the Constitution which limits the power of government and reserves power for the people. Our fundamentals are found in the Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence. It is because of these fundamentals that America has become a great nation in the world and a great place to live. I do not want these fundamentals changed!

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