A Mutual Cause, by John Hardy Willson, a Contributor

The Pilgrims’ initial landing was not at Plymouth Rock; feel free to
check any contemporary references. The rock became a part of
historical lore 121 years after the landing. They also didn’t
celebrate the first Thanksgiving; that happened in Virginia on
December 4, 1619 at Berkeley Hundred. One can find the particulars
within The Charter of Berkeley Plantation, which required that the day
of arrival be observed yearly as a “day of thanksgiving” to God and
declared, “We ordain that the day of our ships arrival at the place
assigned for plantation in the land of Virginia shall be yearly and
perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God.”

Clearly we have done this right in Virginia; however, I digress.
No, this isn’t a discourse on the proper role of religious liberty and
freedom as it relates to the foundation or future of the United
States. From my perspective I cannot comprehend how anyone can deny
the role of divine providence in the founding of the
United States of America. However; that dialogue is best placed in
the hands of theologians and religious leaders of all faiths and
denominations. Furthermore, it’s best left out of discussions related
to government, and well outside the walls of establishments serving
adult libations. The intent is to find common ground without either
side of the isle feeling like they have compromised their integrity.

Atheists marvel at the power of the atom while those of us who
exercise faith (whether in the Judeo-Christian, Hindu, Muslim, or
other religious tradition) marvel in the concept of a divine creator.
We would all be best served if we allowed ourselves to marvel at one
another’s belief system (political or religious) with some degree of
reciprocity.

The political discord of today is deafening; much of it futile, with
little understanding (or even an attempt at understanding) the
opposing side’s view. The divisive topics leading to dissension have
little to do with the principles of government laid out by the
founders. They accumulate, for some members of the populace, into
white noise or a wall of sound that resembles the chatter which is
typically reserved to adolescents discussing whose paternal figure can
perform some various feat of strength to a higher degree. In the end,
we all suffer because many of us become disengaged. In science, bases
neutralize the corrosive powers of acids. In the Judeo-Christian
tradition; Matthew 5:9 states “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they
shall be called the children of God.”

The process is the different;
the outcome the same. Peace, Prosperity and Protection. Our common
ground is fiscal integrity and neither party has delivered. Perhaps we
should remember, after all, “Don’t Tread On Me” goes both ways. After
all our cause is just, and that is to preserve that greatest hope
for humanity; the United States of America.