The Three Things and Three Flavors

The Three Things

My husband and I were privileged to attend an incredible conference this past weekend in Laguna Niguel. It was sponsored by an organization called , "The Council for National Policy" (CNP), of which we have been members for the past five years. It can be thought of as a conservative policy organization that meets three times a year to reflect on the state of our nation and strategize for the future.

Dennis Prager, a conservative radio talk show host, spoke Friday afternoon and succinctly said that there are three things that distinguish ourselves as a unique nation in the world. I am blogging about this topic because I believe it is important to remember to tell others about these three things. Each of us in our individual lives still has the power to make a significant contribution to our American society. Ronald Reagan once said, "All great change in America begins at the dinner table."

No other nation in the world has these three values together: "In God, We Trust," "Liberty", and "E Pluribus Unum" (from many comes one). And they are all found on our US dollar. Liberalism is at war with all three. Here is why in Dennis Prager's opinion, the combination of these three things make our nation unique.

1. On our currency is printed, "In God, We Trust." Our society is unique in that it is based on Judeo-Christian values. Most people do not know what is inscribed on the Liberty Bell, including me. Do you? Do your children know? It is taken from the book of Leviticus 25:10, in the Torah of the Old Testament. It says, "Proclaim liberty throughout all the Land unto all of the inhabitants thereof." Let us not forget that our ethics come from God, from His word in the Old Testament.

2. Liberty. We are all born equal, before God. Liberty is the freedom to be all that one can be, with a minimum of restrictions. It is not to be a decision between liberty or equality, for they cannot truly coexist at the same time. Liberty is opportunity and equality means that some will be limited to give others an equal chance. We are to be liberty oriented, not striving for equality as in most European societies. Focusing on liberty (and not equality) and the opportunities that come from it, is a major strength of our nation.

3. E Pluribus Unum - from many comes one. No where else does an immigrant become assimilated into a culture and truly become a part of that society. One can grow up in Turkey, immigrate here and immediately become an American. Today we are told that multiculturalism is the strength of our nation - that is not exactly true. We have always had many cultures, but we should not promote multiculturism, as it is the opposite of assimilation. It preserves our differences rather than uniting us. We are to promote assimilation, becoming American and a part of our great nation for those who CHOOSE to immigrate here. We do not care where you come from, and no where else can you become as accepted as here.

I saw this firsthand when I lived in Sweden for a year in the 1980's. Turks, Egyptians, and Iranians immigrated there and their country's policy was open toward them. However, once they immigrated they were never truly received as a part of Swedish culture. They remain Turks, Egyptians, and Iranians in that country today even as Swedish citizens.

These three things are what Dennis Prager, a Jewish scholar, referred to as the American Trinity. Can we be challenged by the quote from Ronald Reagan to discuss these ideas around our dinner tables with our kids or coworkers? Pose the questions, "Why is our nation unique? Why is it important that we recognize and fight to preserve and protect its uniqueness?"

Dear Lord,

You are the author of the Old Testament and the New Testament, the books from which so many of the values of our nation have sprung. Let us remember to pass on your truths, your commandments that have given us our ethics. May You find us faithful. Help us to do our own part in proclaiming your truth.

Three Flavors

Close by to where we we stayed in Laguna Niguel is my absolute favorite, by far best bargain yogurt place around. It is called Kultured Kitchen. (Exit the 5 Freeway at Camino de Estrella and head west. It will be on the south side of the street a couple of lights down the road.) It is a mom and pop shop, non-franchised, with huge portions. A small yogurt is $4.17 which includes three of my favorite flavors: coconut, mocha, and cappucino and a bag of carob chips and peanuts. A real bargain for a lunch or a perfect treat for the kids after a day at the beach.

Now go and enjoy every moment and discuss our great nation with your kids!

Kim