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Gramster Rant: The Flag Code and Politics
The American flag code clearly prohibits using the flag as clothing, bedding, or drapery. Yet today, we violate this routinely and it's become culturally normalized. When I was young, this was considered taboo. Now we've made it completely legal to burn flags as "free speech" while still technically banning respectful uses in clothing. We can't yell "fire" in a theater, so why do we allow flag burning that tramples the hearts of veterans? The inconsistency reveals how far we've drifted from honoring our symbols of freedom.
Salvaged by God Deep Dive: America's Christian Foundation
Our nation's founding was deeply rooted in Christian principles and divine intervention. The Revolutionary War would never have been won without God's hand. Many founding fathers actively looked for Christ's coming on these shores. While revisionist historians try to minimize or deny this spiritual heritage, the evidence is undeniable. From the Great Awakenings to the Christian character of key leaders, America's Christian DNA is woven throughout our origin story.
Fourth of July History and Traditions
Early American Independence Day celebrations included:
- Public readings of the Declaration
- Firing of muskets and cannons
- Horse races and tests of strength
- No dancing (these were Puritans after all)
- No lemonade (lemons weren't readily available until the 1800s)
- Mock funerals for King George III
Interesting facts:
- The holiday was celebrated on July 5th in 1779 because July 4th fell on a Sunday
- The Liberty Bell is tapped 13 times each year by descendants of Declaration signers
- Only 26 of the original 200 printed copies of the Declaration remain today
Special Guest Interview: Combating Human Trafficking
Alicia Owen, Assistant Director of Epstein Justice, shared her powerful story of surviving trafficking and wrongful imprisonment in the Franklin Credit Union case. Key insights from the discussion:
- Trafficking often involves blackmail and shame to maintain control
- Predators don't fit stereotypes - they can be prominent community figures
- The church must actively engage in prevention and protection
- A Truth and Reconciliation Commission is needed at the federal level
- Average abusers victimize 68 children in their lifetime
- Organizations and networks often interconnect
- Awareness and speaking up are crucial first steps
- Real journalism exposing truth is vital
Action steps:
- Visit EpsteinJustice.com to generate letters to elected officials
- Support creating a federal commission with subpoena power
- Get involved in local awareness forums
- Share information to increase prevention
- Watch Nick Bryant's investigative journalism on YouTube
The focus must shift from just rescue to active prevention and systemic change. The church especially has a biblical mandate to protect children and speak truth to power.
Right On or Way Off?
"God doesn't ask us to understand, just trust Him" WAY OFF! Scripture calls us to both trust AND understand. God wants to be known and commands us to study and grow in knowledge.
"Saying 'I identify as' means 'I pretend to be'" RIGHT ON! You can't "identify as" innocent to a judge or debt-free to the IRS. Identity claims without reality are pretense.
"Grilling is mandatory on July 4th" WAY OFF! While common, not everyone has access to grills or outdoor spaces. The spirit of celebration matters more than the method.