Medlock Minute, Episode 1, Up With America Radio 4.9.22
Where the Star and Stripes and the Eagles Fly
"On April 1, 1789, almost 10 months after the US Constitution was ratified, Frederick Muhlenberg is elected the first Speaker of the House of Representatives by the First Congress meeting in New York City. After the Constitution was ratified, the federal government of the United States made its first home in New York City. On April 1, 1789, the House of Representatives had enough members present to begin and elect its first officers. Frederick Augustus Conrad Muhlenberg, a Lutheran minister, businessman and politician from Pennsylvania, was chosen as the first Speaker of the House.
Thus began the creation of a country that gained a momentum very fast because of the virtue of the people and the spirit of freedom that was unleashed. For the next 125 years America grew and prospered and became the greatest nation on the face of the earth. In those 125 years America did face challenges. We fought the War of 1812. We fought the Civil War, brother against brother. But America, through We the People, gained its momentum again and again to continue to grow and prosper. And will continue to do so.
America's greatness influenced many nations around the world. And because of that influence, many nations developed their own democracies or republics by copying the United States Constitution.
You're probably asking the question, why does he use the 125 years? Because in 1913, Congress passed three bills that started to affect the American way of life and its momentum. They created the Federal Reserve, the 17th Amendment to the Constitution, and created the Internal Revenue Service. We will address these three issues during another Medlock's Minute.
With this short history lesson, it leads me to ask the question, “What can we do to regain America's momentum?” I think everyone will agree that in the last 15 months, America has lost some of its momentum. And we might add another question, “What can we do to regain our Patriotic momentum?”
George Washington said this “The general government can never be in danger of degenerating into a despotic or oppressive form so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people.”
Samuel Adams added to that, “If we would most truly enjoy the gift of heaven, let us become a virtuous people; then shall we both deserve and enjoy it. Wow, on the other hand, if we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves.”
Therefore, virtue in the minds of the founding fathers meant placing the interest of country before the interest of self. Frugality, industry, temperance, and good moral character were essential characteristics to maintain the spirit of unity and solidarity among the nation. The Founding Fathers recognized the fact that there could be no Republic without virtue. They further understood that developing Self-Discipline leads to Self-Mastery.
Next, we can put away all contention in our hearts. What do I mean by that? There are forces out there that are trying to cause contention and hatred among different groups. Whether it be because of skin color or class, rich or poor, different nationalities, or different religious beliefs, the battle is raging. But We the People as individuals and families, should be putting these contentions out of our heart. This is very important in gaining a new American and Patriotic momentum.
Another suggestion is this. “Seek Truth and Heed Not” to the false and evil influences in the world today. Do not listen to those voices of chaos. Do not listen to the false propaganda that is being thrown at us to confuse us. Look at the way that you think and understand things. And if you need to make a change, make that change. But we need to “heed not” to the false, the evil, the chaos and the hatred that is taking place in the world. Seek Truth always.
Look at the world with the heart and eyes of a child and life will become more beautiful.
Babe Ruth said, “It's hard to beat a person who never gives up.”
NEVER, NEVER give up on America. We at Up With America ask for your support and commitment to do your part to Regain the American and Patriotic Momentum.
And that Folks, is the Medlock Minute.
