RESPECT!

Someone once said to me, "People don't respect important things like they should." I agree. Even in our modern culture with all its odd twists and changes, there are still foundational principles we must respect and maintain, despite what polls might show. 

Respect for Law: Abraham Lincoln said in 1838, "Let reverence for the laws, be breathed by every American mother to the lisping babe that prattles on her lap; let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges; let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice." It is now apparent there is a greater percentage of citizens who respect laws more than do our elected and appointed representatives who make them.

Respect for Marriage: Marriage of a man and a woman has been the foundation of civilization and the primary building block in the walls of human culture for millennia. For a vocal minority to insist this tradition is now out-of-date, and that it is necessary for Americans allow marriage between same sexes, is rule by opinion poll, and it can destroy a nation.

Respect for God: There was hardly a man or woman among our nation's founders who did not respect God, even if they didn't agree who He was or what to believe about Him. They believed God must not be ignored or denied, and certainly not mocked. Today this is routinely done in Universities, politics and special interest groups, and we are paying dearly for it.

Respect for Human Life: Life is a fragile gift. Modern humanity in its wisdom has chosen to end human life through elective abortion of its unborn infants for various reasons, few of which are valid. Most abortions are chosen as a matter of convenience, and yet we have enshrined even its most grizzly procedures under a cloak of law. A flippant attitude towards abortion disrespects human life, no matter how one tries to justify it. 

Respect for our Nation: Despite what some of its citizens may do to prove otherwise, our nation is still the best on earth. Thursday is July Fourth, the 237th birthday of America. Fly your flag proudly. If you don't have one, get one. We'll be visiting family, and I plan to fly a flag from our car window.

Some may not respect important things, but the rest of us can't stop trying.