Federal Government

May 10, 2016

A Note to Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz: Do your job!

Attorney General LynchAttorney General Lynch’s declaration of war on the State of North Carolina is stunning and another evidence of the Obama administration anti-Constitutional stance in its war against the American people. 
I believe we will see over the next months that the Obama administration intends to unleash every political weapon in its arsenal to force upon the American people a moral perversity that defies anyone to stand up and speak out.
Trump, Cruz, RubioTo Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz…If you two want a political legacy, let it be that you finally stood up to this tyrant president and called him and his cohorts out!  Dog this White House night and day if you are the Constitutionalists you claim to be!  Whip up the same passion you exhibited toward Trump on a debate stage and go after the corruption in this administration and the federal bureaucracy for the sake of our nation’s future!
We have heard enough of your rhetoric, do the job you were elected to do in the Senate and use your national stage to declare political war on this bully administration and its preempted monarch!
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith
March 24, 2016

“Throw the Bums Out”…Every last one of them

trumpI have been posting a lot of news, thoughts and opinions directly to my Facebook Spiritual Minutemen Page; however, I have decided to also begin doing the same through my SpiritualMinutemen Blog.
Here is a headline that caught my attention: “Vocal Trump critics in GOP supporting Clinton”
If this article is true, I will become a rabid, anti-Republican establishment voice!  Has the Washington establishment become so incestuous, so insane that they will sacrifice our nation and future for a power play?
throw the bums outMight I suggest a solution…“Throw the Bums Out”…every last one of them…
from Washington, DC to Small Town, USA…
from the White House and Congress…to the Mayor, County Commissioners and Dog Catcher…
Throw them out!
If our elected officials will not put the future of this nation, our communities, and our families ahead of their own aspirations…if they ignore the opinions of “We the People” and are driven by self-interest…throw them out!
My opinion,
Patriot Parson
Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith
February 12, 2016

Charities enriched by federal dollars for illegals

no rights for illegalsThis is a brief follow-up to my observation that pseudo-religious organizations are enriching themselves as puppets of the federal government in the resettlement of illegal aliens across the USA.  

I am attaching a list of “charities” who are cooperating with the federal government in the resettlement of illegals, many of whom are not only aliens to our culture, but enemies of our liberties and democracy.

chairitiesWhether blinded by a sincere, but misguided spirit of charity that fails to see the societal cancer they are resettling into our towns and cities, or covetous of the millions of dollars the federal government and its agencies are doling out, the end result is the same.  Make no mistake; the human trafficking of illegals into our communities is enriching Catholic, Lutheran, and Jewish charities.

America’s towns, especially rural communities, appear to be the target of much of the resettlement efforts.  These small communities will forever lose their identity, become more economically depressed than they already are, as public school systems, social services, and welfare programs become overwhelmed by a population that will not only fail to assimilate into our culture, but pays no taxes, is undereducated, and brings no skills for gainful employment.kids learning to kill

These circumstances will inevitably contribute to a spirit of resentment and lawlessness that will make victims of us all and leave our sons and daughters scarred by a rising tide of physical violence that we are witnessing in Europe.

* For my own defense, I am not against legal immigration. Some of the finest citizens I know, many who are my dearest friends, are legal immigrants and citizens who passionately love this nation. Many have served in our military and share my conviction that what is happening to our nation is devastating and demoralizing.

Resettlement Centers – Immigration

Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith

February 11, 2016

The Militant Islamic Horde and America’s Future

Islamic invasionThe Islamic invasion of Europe will begin anew this spring as a mass of humanity of Biblical proportions begins its trek from the war-torn Middle East through Turkey and Greece into Western Europe.  Some estimate the Muslim invasion of Western Europe in 2016 will be over 600,000, many who are military aged men, veterans of war, and accompanied by untold numbers of ISIS trained terrorists and sympathizers.  European states that once naively believed this population would assimilate into their culture are facing the harsh reality Muslims will overtake their culture and lands in the next decade if not stopped.

Observing from a distance this invasion of Western Europe, reading reports of horrendous crimes committed against the citizens of host countries, and seeing pictures and videos of well-clothed immigrants sporting smart cell phones leaves me wondering, who is facilitating this economically?Soros

It may surprise you that it is widely reported this mass invasion is funded in part by a Super PAC [Political Action Committee] primarily directed by billionaire George Soros and his sons.  This is the same Soros family allegedly behind the disruptive, anarchist activities of the “Black Lives Matter“, “Hands Up”, “Occupy Wall Street” movement.  Of no surprise, George Soros is also a big contributor to the Democratic Party and supporter of its candidates.

What about America?  It has become painfully obvious the failed promises to address illegal immigration made by past administrations and Congresses was a ruse that has been exasperated by the Obama administration’s brazen opposition to federal immigration laws.  Federal government agencies, with the cooperation and assistance of scores of pseudo-religious organizations profiting from federal dollars to oversee the movement and resettlement of illegal immigrants across our nation, is facilitating an invasion of America by militant Islamic aliens.  hate AmericaLike Europe, we are facing the presence of a growing population that not only refuses to assimilate into our culture, but also is an enemy to the Judeo-Christian principles and values that have defined our laws and liberties as a nation for 240 years.

Will Americans wake up and recognize the magnitude of problems we will face if we do not elect leaders who will stop the hordes of Islamic and illegal immigrants flowing into our country?

Will we sacrifice our nation’s welfare and future because we are reluctant to acknowledge the liberal, socialist policies of this administration have eroded our liberties, and threaten to destroy our Constitutional democracy?freedom

The experience of Western European nations and their failure to address the Islamic invasion should serve as a warning to every American.  Continue bi-partisan bickering, elect spineless, “good doer” socialists, and we will become nothing more than a welfare state for a people who hate us and will inevitably enslave us.

America, your time is running out!  Elect another idealistic, socialist president and all is lost!

Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith

January 12, 2016

“Spiritual Minutemen Revived: A Renewed Call to Action”

Eagle - Freedom Isn't FreeTwenty-one months has passed since I utilized this blog site for posting my concerns, frustrations, exhortations and aspirations for the direction of our nation.  My energy and focus has been predominately on my pulpit ministry at Hillsdale Baptist Church [www.HillsdaleBaptist.org] and the outlet of opportunity my devotional blog, [www.HeartofAShepherd.com] has given me. I have been profoundly blessed to have 53,000 readers from 164 countries that have followed my daily devotionals and editorials on www.HeartofAShepherd.com.

minutemanI do not have time or space to delineate the changes in American society that have moved me to revive www.SpiritualMinutemen.net; however, I have been convicted that I dare not be a spectator in the battle for the heart and soul of our community, city, and nation.  Whether or not my engagement with “quill and ink” will make a difference is not my concern; however, I feel my failure to exercise the freedom of speech God has given me as a citizen of this great nation is a liberty for which I will one day give account…in the spirit of the Colonial preachers of the American Revolution, I am a “Patriot Parson”.

The preachers of Colonial America, known as the “Black Robed Brigade”, were as diverse as the colonist themselves; young and old, urban and rural, eloquent orators and plain-spoken country parsons, educated and genteel…In spite of their differences, the preachers of the “Black Robed Brigade” agreed on one thing: God would have men be free from the tyranny of government that restricts individual rights and freedoms.

Colonial Americans admired the courage and independent spirit of their pastors. John Adams, 2nd president of the United States wrote concerning the pastors of colonial America:

“It is the duty of the clergy…to preach against such sins as are most prevalent, and recommend such virtues as are most wanted…”

19th century Evangelist Charles G. Finney rebuked America’s preachers with these words: “If there is a decay of conscience, the pulpit is responsible…If the public press lacks moral discrimination, the pulpit is responsible…If the church is degenerate and worldly, the pulpit is responsible…If Satan rules in our halls of legislation, the pulpit is responsible…If our politics become so corrupt that the very foundations of our government are ready to fall away, the pulpit is responsible…”

One can only imagine the diatribe Finney would express to America’s 21st century preachers.  Christianity in general, and preachers specifically, have failed America and our nation is in crisis.  We are Politically divided, Financially insolvent and our government has an insatiable appetite for controlling every aspect of our public and private lives.

Retreat is not an option!

The mission of minutemen during the American Revolution was to be ready to respond to the threat of an enemy in an instant; however, the enemy of our liberties in the 21st century bears ideas, not necessarily arms, and is increasingly intolerant of any expression of the Christian faith and moral values.  Spiritual Minutemen no longer have the luxury of disengagement or retreat; should we fail to Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and boldly Declare God’s Word, the liberties we cherish will inevitably erode and we will be silenced.declaration

“WE hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness…” – The Declaration of Independence

For life and liberty,

Patriot Parson

Copyright 2016 – Travis D. Smith

July 12, 2014

A spirit of industry and self-reliance built America.

I invite those who are not subscribers to my daily devotional “Heart of a Shepherd Blog” to read today’s commentary on Proverbs 12.  I believe you will find it applicable to the challenges facing America.

Occupy Wall StreetI am taking liberty to address three proverbs from Proverbs 12 that do not follow in succession in the chapter, but nevertheless address a the same theme—the failed character of the slothful, indolent, lazy man (Proverbs 12:11, 24, 27). As you have learned from prior devotions, Solomon has some plainspoken principles for us in the matter of labor and its reward.

Proverbs 12:11 – “He that tilleth [farmer = long, hard labor] his land shall be satisfied [full; have enough] with bread [food; fruit of his labor]: but he that followeth[pursues] vain [worthless; meaningless; following foolish, sinful pleasures] persons is void [lacking; destitute; wanting] of understanding [lit. heart; mind; i.e. lacks good sense].”farmer ploughing

A hardworking man enjoys the fruit of his labor. Like the farmer in today’s parable, he comes to the end of a workday and reflects on the satisfaction of his labor. He has little time for the pursuit of pleasures and finds his contentment in the reward of his work. The disgruntled poor, many of who do not bear the yoke of labor, often comes to his state because of a pattern of indolence. He follows, according to Solomon, vain individuals who lack the heart for work and pursue pleasures that are time-consuming and empty.  [If you doubt this conclusion, consider how many consider themselves poor, but have funds to own televisions, computer games, cell phones and waste multiple hours a day entertaining themselves].

Solomon contrast the character of the diligent worker with the slothful inProverbs 12:24.

Proverbs 12:24 – “The hand [power; rule] of the diligent [determined; sharp; decisive] shall bear rule [govern; reign; rule over; have dominion]: but the slothful[slack; idle; deceitful] shall be under tribute [taskmasters; forced labor; serving a superior].”

Liberal, socialist-minded politicians have spent the past few decades inflaming an attitude of entitlement in our culture that is tearing at the fabric of our national character. A spirit of industry and self-reliance built America. A man knew the reward of hard work was recognition and promotion and it was not unusual for an employee to begin pushing a broom in a company and work his way to the top.

Rather than promotion, the slothful man finds himself stuck on a tier of servitude. He may chafe with the lack of reward and advancement; however, he has only himself to blame! He is the epitome of the “Occupy Wall Street” crowd who demand an equality they have not earned and resent the success of those who, through the sweat of their brows, enjoy the fruit of their labor.

Wall Street protester signI ask your indulgence as I proffer a personal commentary: The news that nearly 50% of Americans are on some form of government assistance/subsidy does not bode well for our nation’s future.  Granted, many of those drawing government checks are retirees and some legitimately on disability who have “paid into the system” and by law and rights are drawing their monthly Social Security checks.  A few are unemployed and continue to look for work in an economy that is nothing short of dismal.

How did we get here? My opinion is for a half century we have elected politicians that have cultivated a growing dependence on government and America is hurtling headlong into a socialist state with 109 million in 2011 feeding at the welfare trough. A January 22, 2014 report suggests the actual unemployment rate in the United States is as high as 37.2% (this is before government hacks massage the numbers) and households receiving “food stamps” total over 115 million (now known as SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Food stamps alone cost the American economy nearly $80 billion in 2013.

I am for assisting my fellow man going through hard times and helping him get back on his feet.  I am not for sustaining a culture that rewards indolence and punishes the industrious! Sadly, we have become that nation and, if we do not guard our own hearts, the slothfulness of our culture will take hold in our lives, family and churches.Food Stamps

My closing proverb for today isProverbs 12:27.

Proverbs 12:27 – “The slothfulman [slack; idle; deceitful] roasteth not that which he took in hunting [too lazy to dress and prepare for dinner what he killed in the hunt]: but the substance [reward] of a diligent man is precious [valuable].”

You ask, “What does it mean?”  Some people are so slothful that, like a hunter who is too lazy to dress and prepare the meat he took from his hunt, they ignore opportunity when it knocks on their door.

I often wonder what Christians do with their time and talents when they find themselves unemployed and looking for work. What do retirees do with their time, energy and abilities when they find themselves healthy and no longer working?  A few look for opportunities to serve others and be a blessing to the church.  Sadly, they are too few.

My friend, you are either slothful or diligent in your work!

April 4, 2014

The crisis of liberty and the encroachment of government is growing everyday as every level of government seems bent on negating the freedoms guaranteed “We the People” by our Constitution.

spiritual minutementIt has been quite some time since I posted a political commentary on this website [SpiritualMinuteMen.org]. Because I recognize the hope for America’s future is not political, but spiritual, I have chosen to dedicate much of my time and energy to my devotional blog [HeartofAShepherd.com] as opposed to a political commentary. The urgency of the government’s overt intrusion into public education via Common Core has prompted me to alert patriots that it is time to speak out before it is too late. Allow me to explain…

Politicians and human government are illustrative of the best of human wisdom, wisdom that God characterizes as foolishness (1 Corinthians 3:19).  The encroachment of government on the liberties of “We the People” is accelerating in a fashion that has moved me to take a few minutes and alert you that the time has come to stand up to “Common Core”—the wholesale takeover of every level of public education.

common-core-feature-300x179Under the guise of better education through new guidelines and standards, the federal government, liberal corporations and private foundations are hijacking public education. The classroom at all levels of public education is being turned into a laboratory for systematic cultural change and the carrot for school boards and administrators is billions of dollars in incentives. The goal of this takeover is clear—the rejection of local oversight by an elected school board and school personnel and the alienation of parental influence on their child’s education.

I am in the process of writing an introductory pamphlet on Common Core that will document my concerns, but also challenge you to action. Until that pamphlet is ready, I will close this commentary with the concerns of a teacher who recently resigned because the adherents of Common Core demanded he not exercise his Constitutional right of free speech. This is one of many instances of threats and coercion taking place across the American public school landscape.

http://whatiscommoncore.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/ut-high-school-physics-teacher-resigns-over-common-core/

COMMON CORE Education Without Representation

UT High School Physics Teacher Resigns Over Common Core 4 comments

Utahns Against Common Core published the resignation letter of Utah high school physics teacher Stuart Harper today. The letter is powerful. These are the words of a noble man, and his resignation is a tragic loss to Utah’s school system.

Read the full letter here. (http://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/utah-physics-teacher-stuart- harper-resigns-over-common-core/)

“… After much research I know that the Common Core (CC), the way it has been implemented, and the reforms which have accompanied it are wrong. They are unsound, of poor quality, take power from local government, and further empower federal agencies and policy makers. Most importantly, their enactment was unconstitutional, both in Utah and in the nation. However wrong CC may be, my reasons for resigning are only tangent to this constitutional breech. I was aware of the core before signing on, and though I did not approve of it I gave my word in contract to teach whatever curriculum I was given.

In the summer of 2013 a personal letter I had written, (http://www.utahnsagainstcommoncore.com/physics-teacher-shares-concerns-about-common- core/) stating my concerns with Common Core, was posted on the Utahns Against Common Core website. It was an opinion piece, not a scholarly review. I saw no problem with stating my opinion, it is my right as a citizen, at least so I thought.

A few months later, I was informed that the Utah State Office of Education (USOE) had learned of my published letter and was not happy with my opinions or concerns. Local school authorities were instructed to meet with me and put me back in line. During this meeting with the district representatives I was told that I was shallow, ignorant and emotional in the way I wrote my concernsand that by writing things like this I would create rebellion and insubordination across the district. I was told I can have an opinion with other state’s educational systems but as a teacher in the state of Utah I cannot be concerned with my own state’s educational affairs.

I reminded them that my intent was not to promote rebellion, but to simply encourage personal research on the subject and exercise freedom of speech on my off time, as a citizen and father. I was told “Those freedom of speech rights you are probably referring to do not apply.”

I was shocked, but I stood my ground. I made it clear that if I continued to be intimidated into silence that I would resign same day. I told them that I have given my word to teach what they want me to in the classroom and would continue, but I would also continue to use my rights as an American citizen to effect political change. They said I could share my research if I get my facts straight, but even then my job is on the line. When I told them that I would continue to research information from original sources as well as writings from those for and against Common Core they were confused. They discouraged me from seeking information from anywhere other than the USOE, and accept only their interpretations of the facts. I refused, reminding them that true education comes from educating yourself on all sides.

stop fedI was threatened on three separate occasions with professional action all because I stated my opinion. I did not resign at any of the instances where I found myself threatened because I realized that I had given my word that I would teach for the year, and I will not break my word. However I refuse to remain in an environment that clearly has no respect for the Constitutional right of free speech. I refuse to be a part of the problem.

Over the years the school system has fallen far below what it should be. The public school system is just that – public. It should represent those served by it – We the People. Each level of the system (classroom, school, district and state) fails to remember that its duty is to the people, not to the establishment. We should be representing what is in our students’ and our community’s best interest. Our current system expects acceptance and conformity to its decisions and policies by all of its teachers and administrators. Further, it expects this without questioning or voicing concerns and even goes as far as intimidating and threatening those who have differing opinions. Any society or organization that silences and discourages freedom of speech removes the possibility to express ideas, and without competing ideas we close the door on true education and open the door to tyranny.

… We have lost control of the classroom and continue to hand more and more power over to the government. Our current system no longer promotes learning, but rather focuses on training. It teaches what to think, not how to think. It is now a system of hoops for students, teachers, and administrators, and with further national control and regulations of education, these hoops have been set on fire.

I believe that until we can get education to become self-sufficient where it no longer relies on the funding and intimidation from federal and even state levels, until we can bring education back to learning how to think and not being trained for a test, and until we can bring freedom back to the individual teachers, students, and schools, our public system will continue to decay. I hope the

system and its people can exercise the self discipline to do this, but where I cannot foresee this happening, my greatest hope for education now resides in home-schools, home-school groups, and in private education.

My hands are tied within this system. But I now know that I can be more productive on the outside. I will continue to promote true and correct educational principles, awareness of civic affairs, and our duty to be involved. I am going to be a part of the solution. Asking questions is the essence of education. All I encourage of others is to ask questions, seek truth and not be afraid to share that truth with other Americans who are willing to listen.

Sincerely,

Mr. Stuart Harper

Teacher, Citizen, and Father”

Posted March 31, 2014 by Christel Swasey in How the Common Core Initiative Hurts Kids, Teachers, and Taxpayers

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american-flag-2a2The crisis of liberty and the encroachment of government is growing everyday as every level of government seems bent on negating the freedoms guaranteed “We the People” by our Constitution.  Fellow patriot, I urge you to do your research on Common Core and exercise your right of free speech before you are silenced.

Travis D. Smith

Patriotparson@gmail.com

www.spiritualminutemen.org