BLUF: Shedding light on a Christmas column from 2023, this article attempts to unravel the impact of faith- induced morality and constitutional rights on America’s past, and how its potential disregard could impact civil liberties and societal cohesion in the future.
OSINT:
Christmas Column 2023
Readers,
A heartfelt thank-you for keeping me working in 2023. Your constant support hints at an enduring spirit of independent thinking – a key to societal change.
I, in the past, pursued a career as a newspaper columnist, initiating this traditional Christmas column in the ’90s. Every year, I receive comments linking religion to conflict – which I believe is an unfair connection. It’s the abuse of structures – religious or otherwise – that are root causes of issues.
Equal confusion surrounds hypocrisy. There is a stark disparity between failing to live by moral principles and adhering unerringly to immoral ones.
There was a time when Christianity significantly influenced American behavior, safeguarding societal peace. With the decline of Christian morality, there is danger of an upsurge in lawlessness.
Remember, liberty is hard-won. We have it because some chose to fight for it. As I discuss in this column, individual empowerment through Christianity was crucial in this fight.
Another key pillar of our culture is the Constitution. Attacks on it pose a more significant threat to America than any external terrorist action. We must guard against ignorance and unwarranted claims compromising civil liberty.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and successful New Year in the spirit of goodwill.
The tradition of Christmas gifts, decorations, and tree illuminates our connection to Christian culture that binds Western civilization.
The empowerment and voice given to the individual in our culture is unique. It allows for reforms, investments, creations, and it birthed a land of opportunity which attracted immigrants aligning with these values.
We seem to be overlooking the lessons from our history that led to this empowerment. The silencing voices connecting us to our heritage through “Identity Politics,” “political correctness,” “critical race theory” and “white culture” critique; the increasing marginalization of Christianity; and the erosion of constitutional protections could lead to the re-emergence of tyranny.
The message of this article is clear: all Americans have a significant stake in Christianity; its moral doctrines have curbed power and protected the weak despite secular power exploitation.
As we move into 2024, will Western citizens stand amid declining civilization and defend their liberty, or succumb to the rearing head of tyranny?
RIGHT:
A libertarian Republican constitutionalist probably welcomes the emphasis on personal liberty and the vital role of the Constitution. The shifting moral compass, represented here by the perceived dilution of Christianity and its influences could be a cause of concern. Also, the discourse on the damaging influences of political correctness and lack of respect for the Constitution would align well with libertarian views.
LEFT:
A National Socialist Democrat might appreciate the acknowledgment of America’s diversity but could take issue with the portrayal of Identity Politics and Political Correctness negatively. They might also question the correlation made between social order and Christian morality, arguing that societal progress can occur outside of religious contexts.
AI:
From an AI perspective, this reframed Christmas routine reflects concern about the potential erosion of individual rights and societal cohesion due to a perceived decline in Christian morality combined with the misuse of power. It underscores the significance of questioning bias, accurately relaying history, and the continuous challenge of upholding democratic principles in a rapidly changing political and social environment.