CONTINUING WHAT OUR FOUNDING FATHERS BEGAN

By Carol Tobias
NRL PAC Director

On July 4, 2002, we celebrated the 226 anniversary of our nation's independence. On this most important day, we remembered the famous words from the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are LIFE, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Our founding fathers were challenging the greatest empire in the world. They had to make decisions that would change the course of history. But they knew what they had to do and had the courage of their convictions to meet those challenges head on.

And really, what we decide to do in the coming months, and the level of resolve we demonstrate, will determine the future of our country for generations to come.

I am proud to say that George W. Bush is my president. You worked so hard to get him elected. I truly believe that when we look back in history, the 2000 election will be one of the pivotal moments, one of the bright spots that stands out for the pro-life movement.

It may sometimes seem as if the pro-life movement takes two steps forward and then one step back. But we must never forget that through it all, we are gradually but steadily moving forward. Best of all, President Bush's election was at least three steps forward.

Last year, we took that step backwards when pro-abortion Tom Daschle (D-SD) became Senate majority leader. The challenge for us this year is to take two steps forward again and return leadership in the Senate to a pro-lifer.

In his Thoughts on Government, John Adams, our second President, wrote, "It has been the will of Heaven that we should be thrown into existence at a period when the greatest philosophers and law-givers would have wished to live... a period when a coincidence of circumstances without example has afforded to thirteen colonies at once an opportunity of beginning government anew from the foundation and building as they choose. How few of the human race have ever had an opportunity of choosing a system of government for themselves and their children? How few have ever had anything more of choice in government than in climate?"

We have the opportunity to continue that system of government. Our challenge isn't to establish a new form of government. Rather it is to work within the most wonderful system of government ever devised to elect men and women who believe unborn children should be protected; who believe that the lives of the elderly and the medically disabled have value and merit legal protection, not because of who they are, but just because they are.

In order to do that, though, pro-lifers have to work hard. Pro-lifers have four months to help elect those men and women who will help us make changes.

So what can be done?

Make sure your pro-life relatives, friends, and neighbors are registered to vote. Not all, but most states have a deadline for registration about 30 days before the election, so that means we have three months to get people registered.

Organize your volunteers to distribute literature for the political action committee. Help find more volunteers. Reach out to friends and family members and get them involved. Maybe there is no hotly contested race where you live. But perhaps you know someone who lives in another state with a top Senate race. Give them a call or write a letter and ask them to get involved.

In the coming months pro-lifers should be geared toward educating and motivating voters. There is absolutely nothing wrong with encouraging single-issue voting when that issue is the first right, the most fundamental right, the right without which all other rights are meaningless: the right to life!

People must be lead to realize that of all the issues that we debate as a nation, none is more important than protecting innocent, vulnerable human life.

And as always, pray. Pray for President Bush - - that he remain healthy and for wisdom in making decisions, not just on pro-life issues but in all areas of his leadership.

Pray for pro-life candidates and their campaigns, and pray for voters that they would make the correct decisions as they enter the voting booth.

In 1787, the Constitutional Convention was called to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. It was a time of great peril for the new nation as delegates fiercely debated the future of representative government.

At a crucial juncture, Benjamin Franklin, by then 81 years old, stood up and said these words:

"I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of men. If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, sir, in the sacred writings that 'except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it.' I firmly believe this ...."

Our founding fathers knew that this house they were building, this great land of ours, would not rise nor be sustained without the help of God. We ask for His help in the ongoing process of electing leaders who will make wise decisions for our country.

With your help we will use this upcoming election to take two more steps forward for unborn babies.