Editorial, Theresa Fleming

President Reagan once said, “Freedom is a fragile thing and is never more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each generation, for it comes only once to a people.”, and he was right.

As Moms, we love our children and we hope they will grow up to have a life anchored by faith and family and lighted by their hopes and dreams for the future.  For we know that it is faith, family and freedom that built this great country, and that it is faith, family and freedom that will give our children the courage and strength they will need to one day go in pursuit of their own dreams.  But if we expect them to honor and cherish the values and traditions that have for so long stood the test of time in our great country, then we must be willing to work together to preserve and protect them ourselves.

As a Mom, I am deeply grateful to have elected leaders such as Republican Congressional Leader John Boehner.  His courage and willingness to stand up for the values and traditions that so many of us treasure make him exactly the kind of leader our country needs right now and I know that many are deeply grateful for his efforts.

America-“One Nation Under God”

Moms Put Faith First

-Theresa Fleming, Editorial, President of Moms For America

America has always been, and will always be, “One Nation Under God”.  Family, faith and freedom are the foundation upon which this country has been built and they are the reasons for its enduring success.  It is these core beliefs that have become the very heart of the American spirit.  And it is these beliefs and values, along with the courageous service and sacrifice of so many, that has made America the kind of country that millions all over the world wish to come to, and millions thank God every day to be a part of.

And that is why standing up for issues such as honoring God’s place in our Pledge of Allegiance and issues like it is so very important.  Taking time to honor God’s place in our country and our country’s history doesn’t take away from the fact that we also care
deeply about other important issues such as national security, the economy, education,
healthcare, terrorism and social security.  Throughout our country's history, we have faced many such challenges, but because our country has been built upon a foundation of faith, family, and freedom; and blessed with people who care far more for the welfare of others than they do for themselves, we have always managed to find solutions to the challenges that we face.  And that's why, if we hope to find solutions to the challenges that we face both today and in the future, it is important that we work together to preserve and protect the values and traditions that have served us so well in the past.

As for those who would remove God from our Pledge of Allegiance and from our country and our country’s history.  Although there are a few people who would like to remove God from every facet of our society, the vast majority of Americans do believe in God.  God has always been a part of our country, and our country's history and culture.  God is in the Declaration of Independence, The Star Spangled Banner, The Gettysburg Address, and on every single dollar bill. God was there on the day so many gave their lives fighting so that we might be free and He was there the day the Declaration of Independence was signed.  And God was there the day our  boys stormed the beaches of Normandy and He was there the day the Twin Towers came down. 

Without a doubt, our country has seen some very difficult times, and yet we have always been able to find a way to stand together in times of need, as one people, “One Nation Under God”, to meet the challenges that we faced.  And what has always brought Americans together, what has given us the courage and strength to face the tough times and the terrible tragedies that sometimes occur in our world, is Faith.   Faith in God, Faith in Each Other, Faith in the Values and Traditions that have so well stood the test of time.

And that’s exactly why, as Moms, we do feel that the faith and character of Presidential and Congressional candidates matters.  And, in fact, it matters more than any other issue.  For if a man or women wishes to lead this nation, they must be able to show the American people that they understand and support the American values and traditions that have for so long stood the test of time and that they are as committed as we are to ensuring that America remains what it has always been-"the land of the free and home of the brave".

Editorial by Theresa Fleming

 

Sadly, Washington politicians have far too often focused their time on attempting to save their political careers instead of focusing on protecting and supporting the brave men and women who are serving in our armed forces in Iraq, not to mention securing this country.  From failing to timely deliver vehicles that could better protect them from roadside bombs to failing to ensure that our troops have the best possible medical care and that their families receive the support they deserve, Congress has failed our troops on every level.  It’s time for Congress to stop playing politics with our soldier’s lives and started giving them the support they deserve.

As for the war in Iraq.  The War in Iraq should never have been called the “War on Terror”.  It’s not a war on terror, it’s a fight for the survival of liberty and freedom.  It’s a fight for our own survival and our children’s future.  There is nothing wrong with having a debate on what our country should do about the situation in Iraq.  After all, during the course of our country's history, over one million men and women have given their lives to protect our freedoms, including our freedom of speech.  But before we decide to cut and run, we better have an honest discussion as to what the results of that decision will bring.  Like a tidal wave building, Radical Islam is sweeping through out the Middle East and parts of Europe.  Radical Islam makes Hitler and his Nazi’s look like a walk in the park.  And although there are many of Muslim faith who simply want peace, make no mistake-there are millions who subscribe the radical form of Islam and they want every single one of us dead.  So before Congress decides to cut and run, I want to know-what exactly is Plan B?  Because at least in Iraq, there are Muslims who want the peace that freedom and democracy brings.  While we have trouble in our own country getting people to take 15 minutes out of their day to vote, in Iraq thousands of families have risked their lives for the privilege of voting.  Freedom means something to them.  If we cut and run, what will happen to these brave Muslim families who trusted us, who have been willing to take a stand against the radical form of Islam in order to give their children a future in which they might live in peace? 

As for the rest… On September 11th, the “terrorists” murdered 3,000 innocent American civilians.  Grandparents, mothers and fathers, children-they killed them all.  For “terrorists” do not care who they murder.  Iran and Syria just made a billion dollar arms deal.  As anyone who reads the actual news wire reports knows, although the Saudi Princes may portray themselves as “business men”, there are millions who live in Saudi Arabia would murder us and our children in a heartbeat.  In France, hundreds of fires have been set, cars have been blown up. In the UK, a number of doctors who worked for the UK Health Care system were caught plotting a terrorist attack (translation: mass murder plot). In Glasgow, a terrorist attempted to blow up an airport terminal. Several terrorists were caught attempting to blow up 10 planes in Britain.  Planes that were filled with innocent families and children.  In Turkey, civil unrest is growing as those who subscribe to the radical form of Islam begin to fight for control.  To Turkey’s credit, there are those Muslims who truly wish for Turkey to remain a peaceful nation, but only time will tell who will win.   In Indonesia, terrorists waited for three school girls on their way home from school. Their crime? They were Christian. They beheaded them and put one of their heads in front of their church.  Beheadings have occurred in Iran, Somalia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq.... Notice a trend here? There are news reports that allege that even small children have been beheaded. Our soldiers who have been captured have been tortured, beheaded, burned and dismembered.  This is the enemy we face.  The evil that exists in these so called "terrorists" knows no limits. Terrorists have no sense of decency on any level. They would murder their mother and their own child if it would further their political agenda. We do not have time to be a house divided, or we will fall-and sadly it is our children who will pay the price.

As a mom, I want to bring our solders home and I worry about my children and what will happen to them if the situation in Iraq is not soon resolved.   But I am also concerned about pulling out of Iraq, because I think, as do many experts in the field, that there is a very legitimate reason to fear that Iran will not only take over Iraq, but will push Lebannon, which is already teetering on the edge of a civil war, into the pit of Radical Islam as well.  Once that happens, how long will it be before Iran and it’s allies manage to topple the Saudi Kings, allowing the radicals in Saudi Arabia to take over?  With Europe already struggling, how long will it be before they too are overwhelmed.  With nothing and no one to stand in its way, the wave of  Radical Islam may indeed become unstoppable. 

So, do we stay and and support those Muslims in Iraq who desperately want the hope and freedom that democracy can bring, or do we cut and run only to face the biggest world war we have ever known 10 years down the line?  I am all for bringing our troops home, but first I want to hear our leaders in Washington tell me what their plans are for dealing with the growing threat that Radical Islam poses to our very survival.  The Presidential and Congressional elections are just around the corner, and as a Mom, I don’t care which party wins, I care which party has a workable plan to secure this country and our children’s future.  So message to Washington and all those running-America is waiting-get back to work and stop bickering.  Our country needs real leaders and real solutions, and our children need to have elected leaders who will focus first and foremost on keeping our children safe and securing this nation.  Congress may want to start by securing our borders...

 

Editorial By Theresa Fleming, Director & Co-Founder of Moms For Ohio 

Since the founding of our country, over one million men and women have given their lives serving in our armed forces so that we might be safe and free.  President John F. Kennedy once said, "the cost of freedom is high, but Americans have always paid it".  And he was right.  America is, and has continued to be, the "Home of the Brave and Land of the Free", because we have always been blessed with people who care far more about the welfare of others than they do for themselves. 

We need to remember to thank them, and that is why I want to share with each of you a story about a Marine that my little girl and I met while shopping at the grocery store.  He touched our hearts, as I am sure he has touched the hearts of many-and saved their lives as well. 

We met this Marine as we stood in the aisle trying to find some fun foods to send to a friend who was also serving in the Marines in Iraq and we started talking about the war. He told me that he had also served in a war; he had served in Vietnam.  I thanked him for his service, for being willing to risk his life so that our children might live safe, and free.  And this brave, strong man, started to cry.   He was so deeply touched that someone would thank him, would appreciate what he had done.

As we stood there in the grocery aisle, he told me of how his father had served before him and how his two sons now currently served.  And he beamed with pride as he told me of the picture that hung above his mantel of his two sons in uniform.  And when he spoke of his family’s tradition of “Answering Our Nation’s Call”, he brought tears to my eyes as well.  This man, this family, is one of so many.  And we are so privileged to have so many men and women who willing to risk their lives, and who so often must live with the scars of war, so that we might remain safe and free.  And it struck me that if just a few words of thank you could touch this veteran so deeply, then we must not be saying thank you, nearly enough.

As we said good-bye, he wished me a “Blessed day”, and indeed it was.  Because I truly felt blessed to have met this man, a man of faith and a veteran of war.   And I will never forget his sacrifice, or the sacrifices made by the countless men and women currently serving in Iraq.  May God bless them and keep them safe. 

And as we celebrate our country's freedom this July 4th, may we keep each of these brave men and women in our prayers, and remember to thank them when they come home.  

Any May God Bless This Great Country and Keep It Safe...

Theresa Fleming is the Director & Co-Founder of Moms For Ohio, a political action committee dedicated to giving Moms and their families a voice in the government which serves them...

To learn more about Moms For Ohio, please visit MomsForOhio.com

 

 

Lizzie Palmer created this video in honor of those who have served our country.  It is an amazing reminder of who these men and women really are and how much they sacrifice.  Please, take a moment and meet some of those who are serving our country in the armed forces.  Take a minute to remember.  And then, please, take a moment to say a prayer for each and every one of them, and then say a prayer of thanks that we have been blessed with so many men and women who are willing to so selflessly and courageously serve our country.  (Please give the video a moment to load)

 Link: I need to know - Do You Remember Me?

 

In close, I want to share with you what one marine, Cam Beck, wrote about the Marine’s motto:
 

“For my family, Semper Fidelis is more than a fancy slogan. It is truly a way of life.”  And if you know anything about the Marines, you know that he is right.  And certainly this marine would know, for his father retired from the Marine Corps in the 90s, after serving over twenty years and more than one tour of duty in a combat zone.  In addition, he and his two brothers also joined the Marines.  He went on to explain in his article what the Marine motto Semper Fidelis means.  He said it means,  

“Always Faithful”.   

“It isn't "Sometimes Faithful." 

“Nor is it "Usually Faithful,- but always”. 

“It is not negotiable.” 

“It is not relative, but absolute.”. 

The Marines,  and all of those who are risking their lives each and every day have been faithful to their mission of protecting us.  We sent them.  They went.  And many of them have paid with their lives.  Even worse, there have been news reports of soldiers being brutally tortured and killed.  But still they go.  Because they are Always Faithful. 

Now it’s our turn.   So this Memorial Day, say a prayer for someone serving; send a package, reach out to someone who is serving or someone who has just returned home from overseas.  But whatever you choose, find a way-to say Thank You.

In God We Trust,

Theresa Fleming 

 

Editorial, Theresa Fleming

Moms Responds To Newsweek:

Theresa Fleming, Editorial

Is God real?  God is as real as the earth upon which we stand, which He created.  And He loves us more than we could ever imagine, for we are His children.

Was Jesus the Son of God?  He was, is, and always will be the Son of God and the Savior for all those who choose to accept Him.  His love knows no limits and it will go on for all eternity.  His love does not recognize national boundaries or the color of a person’s skin, nor does He recognize political parties or any of the other many ways we divide ourselves.  For Jesus loves every single person with a love so amazing and so complete that for over 2,000 years, millions have followed Him and millions more will continue to do so.   Is Jesus the Son of God?  There can be only one answer to such a question, and that answer is a resounding and absolute –yes.  And no amount of debate will ever change that fact.  Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and the Savior of our World.  He gave His all for us and one day He will return.  Be ready.

To read the article, which appears to have been published on April 9th (Easter was April 8th), please visit MSNBC