The battle to preserve our natural rights of life, liberty, and property is as arduous today as it was 243 years ago, when George Washington and his men made a daring defense.
Though we do not fight our would-be rulers with muskets and bayonets today, we remain in a war to defend our constitutional rights from those who would continue to challenge them. Our weapons today are different but our commitment to win must be no less earnest.
Our founders understood the high purpose and necessity of such a defense. They knew the opportunity of a constitutional republic was won by their generation but that it would also require an ever-vigilant citizenry to defend it from well-meaning but power-seeking governments, generation after generation.
As active and engaged citizens, we have a role as defenders of the blessings of liberty for all Mississippians. Whether a lawyer representing an entrepreneur who is prevented from starting a business by unnecessary and burdensome regulations, a policy advocate working with members of the legislature to push for limited government, a community activist working to ensure equality under the law, or an ordinary citizen writing an op-ed for the local newspaper, we’re all defending our shared blessings of liberty.
Government did not grant these blessings to us; they are natural to each of us as individuals. And none of us can be denied these blessings or given any modifier that makes our blessings preferable or subordinate to any others.
As we celebrate the eternal blessings of the Christmas season with family and friends, let us take the time to think about that incredible crossing on Christmas night, 1776.
When the hopes of independence lay in the balance, our country’s first president planned and executed the bold attack on the British. George Washington led famished, cold, tired men across the Delaware in the darkness as rain turned to sleet and then to snow, and the winds blew without relief.
The American colonists prevailed in that fight at Trenton and eventually, thanks to a spirit that would not be subdued, our independence was won.
With that enduring spirit in mind this Christmas season, we should take the time to recognize how rich our blessings are and how worthy of a robust defense is liberty.
In this episode of Unlicensed, we break down the best Christmas movies of all time while diving into the important topics of the day such as Die Hard's role in Christmas movies and why the boy in a flannel shirt always gets the girl in Hallmark movies.
A well-cooked turkey, the Macy’s Day parade, the Detroit Lions losing a football game, these are Thanksgiving traditions of which many of us hold fond memories. This classic American holiday beckons in the beginning of the winter holiday season, and yet it has a history that is often largely forgotten.
It was October 3, 1863, shortly after the devastating Battle of Gettysburg, that President Abraham Lincoln declared a national day of thanksgiving. Amidst much bloodshed and division, the holiday was meant to recall how blessed we are as a nation. His words ring true as a beautiful reflection on why we celebrate all these years later.
The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and even soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.
Now, Lincoln did not start this American tradition, but he did revive it. In 1789, Congress asked President George Washington to declare a national day of thanksgiving. Washington would routinely request days of thanks following major victories in battle. It was one of his early acts as president to set the precedent of giving thanks to God as a nation, stating:
Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor—and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.
Now, President Washington did not start this American tradition, but he did institutionalize it through the power of the American presidency. To find the roots of this day, one must look almost 400 years back on our history, when a group of pilgrims and Native Americans joined together to give a celebration of thanks to God for their safety and friendship. The event commonly cited as the “First Thanksgiving” was a praise of the successful harvest, made possible by instructional support from the local tribe.
There is something remarkably unique to this American holiday upon which we give thanks to God for the gifts we have. The day is a chance to not only offer thanks, but to recall that we have a responsibility to give unto others and serve our fellow man as well. America is set apart from the rest of the world by its dramatic generosity. A deep culture of philanthropy was laid at the heart of our foundation, and continues to this day.
America has consistently been found to be the most generous country in the world, donating an unprecedented amount of time and money. Americans gave $410 billion to charity in 2017, more than the GDP of the vast majority of countries. And, within that, Mississippi is one of the most charitable states in the union. We also top charts when it comes to the percentage of people that volunteer or donate.
In his preeminent book, Democracy in America, Alexandre De Tocqueville offers the insight that “Americans group together to hold fêtes, found seminaries, build inns, construct churches, distribute books, dispatch missionaries…They establish hospitals, prisons, schools by the same method.” Americans come together to solve problems and serve each other in order to build a better life. We gratefully look back on all that we have, and are ultimately made great by our ability to look ahead and question how we can best serve others.
For those to whom much is given, much is expected. America has taken this call to heart and is, for this reason, the most generous nation in the world. The holiday, perhaps more than any other, forces us to take pause and recall the gift of life that God has blessed us with, as well as the friends and family which surround us.
We live in a culture of materialism, focused on passing fads and the procurement of goods. Thanksgiving is more important now than ever as an institutional reminder of to whom we give thanks and how we are expected to display that gratitude through action.
The call to action of both thanks and service, which Lincoln offers stands the test of time, and is just as poignant as with this celebration of Thanksgiving as it was 150 years ago:
And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.
The chicken was good, but what drove many through the doors of one of America’s most popular fast-food joints was the values the brand stood for.
It wasn’t just fried poultry; it was a large restaurant chain that unabashedly stood with their Christian foundation. They singlehandedly changed the game of fast food simply by introducing a bit of kindness to the process. And now, they’ve abandoned that foundation by relenting to the demands of the faith-hating progressive mob.
The CEO of Chick-Fil-A announced that they would cut their donations to two organizations after a range of LGBT protests. Now, who were these hate-filled, evil organizations, so clearly bent on darkness that all support had to be cut? They were the Salvation Army and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. What kind of a world do we live in when the Salvation Army, which serves 25 million people around the globe annually, is treated as some despicable hate group?
The record ought to be set straight on these two groups. For those who don’t know, the Salvation Army was founded by William Booth to provide ministry and support to thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and others who were often not accepted in traditional churches. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes provides support to tens of thousands of athletes and coaches around the world, binding them together in a community of faith.
Today, The Salvation Army helps to cure hunger, support those in poverty, fight human trafficking, support veterans, house the homeless, help disaster survivors, support the elderly, and end domestic abuse. They treat and support all people equally regardless of color, race, or creed.
And yet, today some despise them because they hold traditional Christian views. It is these very views which built the organization that has deeply impacted millions of lives, it is these very views that laid the foundation of love upon which so many could feel the courage and compassion to sacrifice for others, it these very views which have guided and shaped countless men and women around the globe.
Chick-Fil-A’s succumbing to the demands of the mob sets a horrifying precedent. If one of the largest companies in the world can be forced to reject the Salvation Army, then what hope does any small Christian business have?
Make no mistake, the Salvation Army will not be the last victim of the left’s relentless war against those of faith. If our modern cancel culture demands that even they be sacrificed on the progressive altar, then the mob will not relent until every religious-based foundation, mosque, hospital, synagogue, charity, and church closes its doors.
They would rather dismiss all the good that these organizations do on a global scale than see them hold an opposing idea.
After Chick-Fil-A relented from its support of one of the largest global charitable organizations, LGBT protesters demanded that the company start donating directly to LGBT causes as a sort of penance within the church of the socially woke. It won’t end there, the goal line of the progressive movement shifts ever leftward, constantly demanding more as though it were some ravenous beast. Perhaps Chick-Fil-A should rethink their strategy.
Any fan and patron of Chick-Fil-A likely knows the restaurant well. When one walks in, they will undoubtedly be greeted by a sign showcasing the chain’s humble roots in a small town store, founded by Truett Cathy. The plaque typically boasts that he did not invent chicken, but he did invent the chicken sandwich.
Today, I can only imagine Truett Cathy is rolling over in his grave on account of the betrayal by today’s company leadership and their decision to bow before the false god of potential profits.
Delta State University will be hosting their third annual celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month on October 17.
Under the theme, “Resistance and History,” the event will play host the first drag show on the Cleveland campus. On an interesting note, the drag show is being dubbed “family friendly.”
The event is being presented by DSU Library Services, DSU QEP, DSU Diversity Committee, DSU Office of Student Affairs, Delta Music Institute, DSU Art Department, DSU Department of Music, DSU Division of Social Sciences and History, and DSU Division of Languages and Literature.
Full details of the event can be found on DSU’s website.
Drag shows and similar LGBTQ+ events are pretty commonplace on Mississippi campuses or with allied organizations.
Starkville Pride 2019 hosted Drag Queen Bingo and an off-campus drag show this past March.
A similar story can be found in Oxford during Oxford Pride Week. Ole Miss is also home to the Chancellor’s LGBTQ Advisory Committee.
Former Institutions of Higher Learning Commissioner Glenn Boyce will be named the next Chancellor of the University of Mississippi on Friday, according to multiple reports.
As Ole Miss prepares for homecoming weekend and a winnable Saturday night game against Vanderbilt, the official announcement will be made tomorrow at The Inn at Ole Miss.
Boyce will become the third chancellor in five years at Ole Miss after former Chancellor Jeffrey Vitter stepped down in December with two years remaining on his contract.
For multiple reason – a declining enrollment and endowment, poor performance on the football field and a half-empty stadium, and continuous decisions that alienate a large chunk of a conservative alumni base – this hire was viewed as one that had to be right. Now obviously an Ole Miss board was not the one making the decision, it was the IHL that oversees the eight public universities. Still, Ole Miss faithful could at least hope for the best.
Regardless, and with no foresight into Boyce, what he will do, or what his plans for the university entail, this decision isn’t one that appears to have many people in Oxford celebrating.
Boyce, after all, was hired by the University of Mississippi Foundation to be a consultant in the search. This was with the private foundation however, not IHL. His name was not included in a list of eight candidates that appeared in Mississippi Today earlier this week.
For those that were hoping Ole Miss would step outside of the “good ole boy” system, it doesn’t pass the initial smell test. Rather, it is one that will raise eyebrows and leave more questions than answers. Such as, should a university be able to hire their own leader? Ironically, liberal professors seem as upset as members of the Make Ole Miss Great Again Facebook group.
This will be Boyce’s first involvement with a four-year university. Before running IHL, he was president of the Holmes County Community College, he served on various education-related boards, and he worked in the Rankin County School District.
He received his bachelor’s degree and doctorate from Ole Miss. He received his master’s from Mississippi College.
Earlier this week an ordinance was passed in the city of Jackson by a 3-1 vote to “prohibit certain activities near healthcare facilities.”
This ordinance specifically targets the last abortion clinic in Mississippi, Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The ordinance will create a “bubble zone” around the abortion facility, forbidding pro-life speech, prayer, or activity near the building.
Council Member Melvin Priester was largely concerned with maintaining a peaceful atmosphere in the business community. Mayor Chokwe Lumumba commented that he stands for free speech, having protested in Ferguson himself. He warned that protestors must remain, “dignified and respectful.” Council President Virgil Lindsay stated that this is an issue of access to healthcare.
The comments, made by city council members in regards to the ordinance, were befuddling and seemingly erroneous – but, what can be said about such a blatant violation of our rights? Apart from the pro-life vs. pro-choice debate, this ordinance restricts freedom of speech and assembly on public property. As such, it is a subject which our council members and other politicians should have impeccable clarity.
Many, including myself, do not agree with various methods used on the sidewalk outside JWHO. If we stand for free speech, however, we must also stand for free speech that we are not personally comfortable with.
Additionally, it is difficult to understand how individuals practicing basic liberties outside of a “healthcare facility” are preventing access to basic healthcare.
If our representatives are rendered unable to understand the importance of maintaining freedom of speech, assembly, and religion, it is not surprising that they cannot recognize the right to life of the unborn.
Dozens of women, just this year, have chosen to walk from the abortion facility to the Cline Center, located across the street. Dozens of women, just this year, have chosen life because of the loving support of sidewalk counselors. It is now illegal for sidewalk counselors to offer this support outside of the abortion clinic.
We can hope that this shocking violation of basic rights will open many eyes to the shocking violation of rights that the abortion industry poses to mother and child.
The city of Jackson can attempt to hush the activity outside of the abortion clinic, but maybe, in that silence, we will be able to hear the truth of what is actually happening within those pink walls.
The Jackson city council has passed a controversial ordinance aimed at curbing pro-life counselors and protesters from standing outside the city’s abortion clinic in Fondren.
The new ordinance bans individuals from approaching within eight feet of any person, unless that person consents to receiving a leaflet, bans people from protesting, congregating, or picketing within fifteen feet of the abortion center, and bans any amplified sound.
The council held a long meeting last Thursday, and eventually addressed the ordinance in a packed room, open to the public, after eight hours of other scheduled discussions.
Following this meeting, one council member, Melvin Priester, took to his official Facebook page to make some comments about the day. After addressing some of the other issues that were on the docket, he turned to the controversial new ordinance and had this to say (please note errors are his own as the statement appears unedited):
“I am absolutely, 100% convinced that give or take 20 years from now, one of these bored kids that gets drug to City Council meetings to wait for their parent to make a public comment will be in a bar on whatever 2039's version of a Tindr/Grindr date is. His/her date is going to ask ‘so, why did you move here?’ And this person is going to reply, ‘As a kid, my family was SUPER-religious. I didn't even go to school, they just posted me up outside the only abortion clinic in a 3-hour radius day-after-day. Anyway, I'm 12 or 13 and my folks would always take me to Jackson City Council meetings to protest abortion. We'd sit there for HOURS so dad could talk for like 3 minutes. It was soooooo boring. He made me sit there and film it on my cell phone even though it was a televised meeting. Anyway, I swore to myself at like the 4 hour point of dying on one of these hard benches for the millionth time that as SOON as I turned 18, I'd get sooooo far away from Jackson and never look back. So here I am, living in San Francisco, working for planned parenthood. You know how it turns out.”
Priester suggests that religious families will see their children turn against their views, turn against them, turn against Jackson, and will seek a life working for the nation’s largest abortion provider.
The comment is incredibly hurtful for the thousands of faith-filled Mississippians who seek to imbue in their children the values that they hold dear. These good people attempt to pass on what’s important to them, teach their kids to get involved in the community, and to defend the most innocent among us, the unborn.
These values deserve to be praised rather than shamed.
The question must be asked: would Priester fire off such a one-sided and belittling analysis of this situation if the shoe were on the other foot? I would think not, it seems much more likely that he’d praise people for exercising their civic duty, had they not had the gall to disagree with him.
Priester, himself, has tweeted that, “[I]t’s the citizens of Jackson and the families they raise that truly make Jackson great.” Apparently this doesn’t apply to those who dare to raise their children in “SUPER-religious” or pro-life houses.
Regardless of where you stand on the newly passed ordinance, many can probably agree that belittling those who show up to council meetings to participate in their civic duty and suggesting that their kids will turn against their views, probably isn’t the way to foster respectful dialogue on a controversial issue.
The Jackson city council will soon file their official votes on an ordinance targeted at shutting down protests outside the last abortion clinic in Mississippi.
The abortion provider lies in the heart of Fondren, one of Jackson’s few thriving neighborhoods, and one with further development incoming, including a new hotel across the street from the clinic.
Protesters and counselors seeking to offer alternatives to abortion regularly coordinate efforts outside of the building. In regard to this ordinance, council members ought to consider whether the current situation truly warrants the curtailing of free speech in this capacity.
The new ordinance would ban individuals from approaching within eight feet of any person, unless that person consents to receiving a leaflet. The proposed rule would also ban people from protesting, congregating, or picketing within fifteen feet of the abortion center and ban any amplified sound.
Proponents of the regulation have cited noise complaints and the potential for heightened conflict as the reasoning behind the legislation. However, opponents of the regulation have noted that the noise is often escalated by the abortion center who will turn up music while sidewalk participants attempt to speak with those around the abortion center and that the regulation curtails their free speech rights.
Local businesses and the new hotel seem to be concerned about the impact that these protests can have on business and seem to be in favor of the ordinance change. However, our right to free speech does not end where business interests begin, and we should be wary of choosing economic development over protections for our constitutional rights.
Perhaps, what the council members are missing is the fact that no matter what they do, protesters and sidewalk counselors who attempt to offer alternatives to abortion, will still find a way to carry out their work. Freedom of speech should rarely be curtailed, and leaders should always seek to err on the side of advancing speech rather than stifling it.
Furthermore, there are better options on the table to solve existing issues than to overregulate free speech en masse. Rather than ban all those seeking to protest or offer counsel, the city ought to better enforce existing noise ordinances, if noise truly is an ongoing issue. If we don’t execute the laws on the books, then new ordinances stand meaningless and will be ignored. If people are being assaulted, as some claim, again, we have laws on the books.
More largely, in regard to ongoing neighborhood development, at the end of the day, the abortion center can paint itself bright pink colors, play music, and attempt to be a part of the more hip, growing Fondren community, but it can’t cover up what happens inside its walls, a continued dark stain on the neighborhood and the city.
Mississippi has a tainted history when it comes to the state using its power to stifle free speech and public protests. City leaders should tread cautiously when it comes to regulating speech they don’t like.