A 2016 Reflection and a Look Ahead

The 2016 election results are in. Regardless of your joy or distaste for what has transpired, the mission of the Tea Party movement may be more important now than ever. For the first time in my lifetime Republicans will hold the Presidency and both chambers of congress. Now it is time to pressure them to abide by the conservative tone of their platform. There are no more excuses due to presidents who might veto their bills, or senate presidents which will not even bring them for a vote.

On the other hand I would not be surprised if Trump does use the veto pen. Due to the friction within the majority party, we actually may come closer to the divided federal government the founders planned than we have been recently. On January 20^th we might be eye witnesses to the checks and balances so thoughtfully crafted by our founders actually limiting the government’s never ending power grab. This should slow the growth of government and we have a duty to press to reverse the improper growth that has already occurred.

We hope our new president also abides by his promises to appoint Constitutional conservatives to the Supreme Court. We have seen what the court can do when ruled by justices that will legislate from the bench or make decisions based on emotion and not existing law.

Locally we have some challenges. In Congressional districts 7 and 9 two freshmen will be representing our region. Regardless of whether or not they were our ideal choices, we need to be in communication with them and letting them know our objectives for responsible and Constitutional governance.

Orange County will also have a new commissioner in District 5. Again, she may not have been your choice but she needs to be respectfully taught what her constituents expect in the way of responsible governance.

In 2018 at least 23 Democrat Senators will be on the ballot across the nation, including our own Bill Nelson. In 2012 many of us toiled in a losing effort to replace him. Despite our valiant and impressive efforts, we ran out of time to educate the public.  His goals for the nation need to change or we need a renewed and vigorous effort to replace him.

2018 will also be a Gubernatorial election. There is no doubt the left will push hard to influence our divided state which already teeters at a knife’s edge. This means we need more voters to be informed and educating others about the proper roles of government and fiscal responsibility.

None of these things happen by sitting at home, during leisure activities or even in our meetings. They require that you participate in the process. Become part of planning and doing. Let’s combine our brains and our labor. We do not have enough hands or money to do the work required, but it CAN BE DONE with your help.

Finally, our nation has been blessed by God for over two centuries. Future blessings will be scarce if we look to government for solutions or even ourselves. We need to look up. Give God the glory and praise for all of life’s blessings and spread His love throughout the nation. The Tea Party movement has not endured because of anger. We have endured because of love. Love of a nation created under God. Let that love shine in your lives so that it is evident without you saying a word. Pray for our nation. Pray for the leaders in government and in your churches. Love your neighbors even though they may despise you. Walk a righteous path and watch the blessings flow.