Hail to the Chief

This is an editorial i wrote for several office members in my former office. This was written this past January.

Hail to the Chief
January 19, 2009
2:45 PM

At noon on January 20th, 2009 President Elect Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. No matter what your political affiliations are, this inauguration ceremony will be a momentous and historical occasion. The nation in a democratic matter elected a President. Hostilities aside, isn’t this what we want? Isn’t this the best thing for America? If you staunchly oppose Obama, in all actuality, shouldn’t matter. This shows us one thing. The system of government we have works. Plain and simple. The ideals and laws that are constitution cemented are still as true today as they were in the days of the Continental Congress. For two hundred and twenty two years our constitution though relatively young in the eyes of the international community is still strong. Our Union is still strong. Our over-all goal of freedom for the citizens of the United States of America is resolute and is as strong as Iron. As we as a nation move from the Era of one President to the other we need to look at three key points: 1) Our system still works and is still strong. 2) This is our President, the leader of the free world, and the greatest personal symbol of freedom to all mankind. 3) This is the leader that God has placed to lead our country.
Our system works….
Many countries around the world do not enjoy the freedom that we as Americans hold dear. We have stood the test of invasions and attacks on our country. We have withstood National scandals and conspiracies. We have withstood a Civil War. We have withstood several economic collapses. Yet through all of this we are still here. Look at the history of some of the most powerful countries of the 20th century. Germany’s Third Reich, The state of Communist Russia, The Empire of Japan, The emergence of Fascist Italy, and the terrorist threat abroad. All of these governments have collapsed. We live in a blessed country. We as Americans so often take for granted the freedom that we have. Some of the brightest Americans at the time penned words stronger than iron, declaring their independence from the tyranny of England. Later they penned the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which still ring true today in the livelihood of every American. The system works, and the system is strong.
This is our President, the leader of the free world….
At noon Barack Obama will assume the highest and most powerful government office in the free world. Though our ideals and political ideals may greatly differ from that of the Obama administration we as citizens of America have the duty to rally behind Obama. We need to put our differences aside for the common good of America. Lincoln once quoted the words of Jesus saying “A house divided cannon stand.” We need to be reminded of the words of JFK’s inaugural address “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Believe it or not America needs every one of us right now. The coming days will be filled with stress in the government and we need to give our support to the President of the United States, Barack Obama.
This is the leader that God has placed to lead our country…
If you believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God and all of its words are for teaching, preaching and for reproof then you will be encouraged by its words. The Bible is full of advice for life, even life in the political realm and support of its leaders. Hebrews 13:17 says 17Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. The book of Romans talks about authority that is established over us. That authority is only in power because God has placed them in authority over us. We need respect that authority and not try to cause harm or adversity to its regulations lest they contradict the word of God. RO 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. [4] For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. We need to pray for our leaders. Though we may not politically agree with all of their decisions they are still in a position over us because God has placed them there. Daniel 2 talks about this as well. God raises up kings and kingdoms. “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers; You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king’s demand. (Daniel 2:20-23, NKJV” This is vital to the Christian community who oppose the upcoming administration. We need to be in prayer for our country and our leaders during this trying time.
History will run its course. Presidents will come and go, but the constitution will prove steadfast and will be shown as strong as iron. Let historians in the future dictate whether or not a President was worthy of Greatness, as for us as a country we need to rally behind the current government, stand with them in prayer, and obey the laws they place over us. This is what true freedom means. The system works, this is our president, and this is whom God has ordained.
Therefore when I salute the President of the United States I not only salute the office and the respect it deserves but also the man, for this is the man that is right for America at this point in history no matter how much I dislike the idea. When I pray, I will pray that God guides him. And as an American I will rally together with my fellow citizens and support him, till another takes the office.
God Bless America
Shane M. Pucher