Statement 2.

Over the past couple of weeks I have been experiencing writer's block for my monthly journals due to the forefront of my mind and heart contemplating our country and the recent events that have transpired. Deciding whether or not to share my thoughts, remembering that evil prospers if good men do nothing, and there is no doubt that a battle between good and evil is taking place both spiritually and civically. I’m not saying that opposing sides are literally evil; however, the choices made by a large amount the country are leading to a place that may work for a short time but it will not last. Like history has taught us, if we paid attention. 

Our country is being divided by the tyranny of the minorities, all done by the bureaucracies, media outlets, funded by people who want to see socialism rule. which most likely leads to communism, I took the time to read The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx. To attempt to understand what is appealing about it. Then looking in the past where countries tried it, it does not work. A modern example is Venezuela, the country is in turmoil right now. There is no doubt that our country needs serious reform, but we won’t have a country to reform if we keep letting them divide us. I travel all over this country, and every place I go, I see and talk to good people, with a strong faith and good morals. Yes. Differences in opinions, but we can still get along and respect each other as Americans. 

A worldwide giant was one inch away from being woken up on July 13th, because a man, who is doing what he believes is the right thing, was shot in the head, and three more people were shot, leaving one dead, Like him or not, people shouldn’t die because of hatred of one man and a long list of “failures” from the USSS. Did his supporters make the Summer of Love look like a joke? No, they united; they prayed for our country. They peacefully let their voices be heard. Unlike the others who provoke violence even when they do not have a clue what actual violence looks like. When a prime minister from another country comes to speak with his ally, people, including American-born citizens, vandalized the Liberty Bell and burned our flag that so many sacrificed for, all in support of an extremist group that was funded by us because our government is giving $87 million a week to our enemies currently. On October 7th, 2023, This one group killed approximately 2000 people, most of them because of their faith and way of life. At the same time, these supporters point across the aisle and call them Nazis to distract from what they continue to do. They continue to lie not because they want to be believed but because they do not want people to know what is true or false.   

These past few years have shown what a disrespected America does to the world. Russia and Ukraine. Israel and Palestine. Soon, China and Taiwan. Seven United States embassies have been evacuated because of the state of our union. Instead of striving for peace, our government funds both sides of those wars. Whether it’s actual money from buying oil or goods from one side and/or sending arms to another because of the Military Industrial Complex that requires a war to fuel its engine. If climate change is such an important issue as Greta Thunberg claims, then how about we stop promoting the use of weapons that damage our planet. How about we push to stop the deaths of millions of people and thousands of other species. How about we stop the mining of rare earth minerals done by the hands of children in some countries, to produce batteries that damage the earth more than nuclear power ever would. But no, let’s keep the elites rich, no matter the cost. Morality hasn’t been in the minds of these rich men north of Richmond in a long time. The only thing they comprehend is a dollar sign.  

Between 78,000 and 112,000 Americans have lost their lives in the past two years alone by a drug that is made by our adversary and continues to flow through our border along with between 11 and 22 million people. I don’t care what side of the aisle people are on; that is not good. A certain percentage of them are not good people. Ask the family of Laken Riley and many other families who have to bury a loved one because of the incompetence of our so-called leaders. Look at the crime rates in some of our what used to be beautiful cities. Immigration is a great thing that our country provides. We have the bloodline of the world running through our country's veins. That is a beautiful thing, but like a lot of things, immigration needs to be reformed. 

Tensions are high not only internationally but domestically too. Which is why it is important to keep our heads on a swivel and our faiths strong.

It is time for identity politics to be behind us, put common sense policies first, and come together as Americans. Thomas Jefferson once said, “The government you elect is the government you deserve." The creature comforts that this country has provided us, has allowed us to become complacent and weak. Our freedoms are being sacrificed for comforts. 

There is a long list of other things that need to be discussed: Economy, DEI, Big Tech censorship, the Olympics opening ceremony, ETC. Most of which are not as big of issues as the media wants us to think they are. This is long enough and aggravating to read, I’m sure, because it was aggravating to write. I believe it is time for we the people need to speak up to peacefully remind them who we are and what we stand together for.  

We are an imperfect nation, and we must realize that we will never be perfect, but that should not hinder us from striving to be better than this beacon on the hill already is. I think everyone can agree that America is not reaching its fullest potential right now. 

During this election year, let us remind ourselves to. “Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.” - John F. Kennedy.  

Fourth of July Statement.

"Stand your ground! Don't fire unless fired upon! But, if they want to have a war, let it begin here." These words were spoken by Captain John Parker on April 19th, 1775. In Lexington, Massachusetts, where the first eight American patriots were killed after the Boston massacre, which took place five years prior. Parker was not only in battle with the "regulars" (British) on that monumental morning; he was also in battle with Tuberculosis, and unfortunately he passed away unable to take part in what his very words sparked the eternal flame of what we now know as the United States of America. 

I am extremely grateful to be sitting on the coast of Maine while writing this to ensure that my message gets out to everyone on the day of our country’s independence. Before Maine, I had the opportunity to spend time in Lexington, Massachusetts, and during my time there, I made it a priority to learn the history of that American town. The information that I obtained is important, but the feeling I felt was something I cannot put into words. Too many people have given their lives and blood to not contemplate and have some kind of emotion during this time of the year, and I know that is not a bad thing. To take pride in where you are from. Though it is not a clean flag. To honor those who paid the ultimate price, to thank those who have fought and those who continue to do so. We have to remember that we are the land of the free because of the brave.

As I spend time traveling this country, I do not see the hate, the division, or the selfishness. I am not saying that it does not exist, because I know very well that it does, but remember, the propaganda machine is running at full throttle right now. Do not give in to it. 

On this day, I encourage all of us Americans to take a moment to reflect on our lives, to look at this country from an outsider's perspective, and if you can, to take pride in the 246 year experiment that what we are extremely lucky to be a part of, although changes are needed, we can still find the good in uncertain times. 

Happy 4th! 

Peyton. 

Memorial Day Statement.

“I love the stars and stripes of our United States flag. You couldn't tell the ordinary man what a feeling it gives you to be in the army and march with a large group of soldiers or see the flag come by and hear the band playing the National Anthem. It will make your flesh crawl, and you would die for that flag and what it stands for. Before I became a soldier, I didn't realize what the flag means to me, but I sure do realize it now. That is something I will remember as long as I live. That is something every soldier will remember throughout his life and will be proud of the fact that he served in the U.S. Army, what the flag represented, and the freedom that it stands for. The freedom that our forefathers fought for, us boys will hold that freedom regardless of how much blood it costs us.” -Ester Ray, US Army-World War II 3rd Army European Theater 80th Infantry Division E

This is from a framed letter that my American history teacher brought to class on Memorial Day during my senior year of high school. Every year I always share it in hopes that someone gains even the smallest amount of empathy for the men and women that have taken the oath of a lifetime to serve our country. Now more than ever empathy is a concept that needs to be shared throughout the world. Having a true understanding of what someone has gone or is going through. The men and women who have fought and died for our rights and our freedoms, do not receive enough gratitude from us free citizens and people lack empathy every year during this weekend, in my humble opinion.

Memorial Day is not a day of discounts, It is a day to honor those who have paid the ultimate price, it is a day to show our respect to the spouses and children that are still dealing with their tragic loss. On this day we as free citizens should be grateful for the freedom and rights that the fallen have fought for us to hold close, though we all should be this way not just one day of the year but every day we can and should hold that tight in our hearts. As we gather with friends, family, and our communities may we take the time to honor the fallen, to reflect on our freedoms, to never forget their names, and most importantly to ensure that their sacrifice was not for nothing.

To those who on this day remember a loved one, know that you are not alone and know that the fallen are still here with us in spirit and that even though it may be difficult to see, there are Americans that are aware of your sacrifices as spouses and as children of a fallen hero.

To us free citizens that put our flag on our boats, cars, and in our backyards this weekend. Please remember that each day we live is a gift from the fallen and each smile that is upon our faces is from another's tears.

Statement 1.

March 31st, 2023

As I sit here on my back patio watching the earth go through a rebirth as little leaves fall upon me while reading “The Wit & Wisdom of Abraham Lincoln ''. A book that I brought while visiting Lincoln's birth cabin in his and I’s birth state of Kentucky, I can not help but express my thoughts and feelings on the current events that have taken place lately, after all, it is my ambition to at the appropriate time to represent the people of this wonderful but fragile country, if those people would like me to do so.

We are currently bearing witness to an unstable world, where people of all kinds are struggling to live their lives in many aspects, financially, mentally, spiritually, and other parts that are not mentioned. In my opinion, it should not matter who is in charge, things should not change drastically just because of another's incompetent decisions while disregarding the opinions of the average person, however, that is exactly what is taking place. Too much power and money have been gained by those on stage who say that they are doing what is best for America and the world but while they are behind red curtains, doing what is best for their pockets. I know it is not all but it is most. In the TV show Vikings, the lead character Ragnar Lodbrok said, “Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst. And corrupts the best.” Although it comes from a fiction show, the quote is true. Because the so-called “leaders” lack the mental fortitude and self-discipline that it takes to be a true and proper leader. I was taught that the best way to lead was to lead by example, by doing the right thing no matter what, and by standing up for what you believe in even if it means you stand alone. I do not see any of that. What I see are weak-minded and closed-hearted people performing on stage like damn puppets. Where the masters get earnings and puppets get scraps from their masters. While the performance is live, the audience suffers, begging for an intermission because the end is too far away but the drama continues. People feel hopeless, unheard, and unsafe, I know that because I have felt all of those things lately as a result of what has transpired in the world. However, even in a world where there is darkness, there is always a hearth burning ever so brighter.

This country has a system that allows anyone to make the change that they want to see happen for the people if they are supported by the people. For better or for worse, that is how it works and that is how it should always work. Remember, by the people, for the people. There are too many events taking place, so it is pointless to single each one out for the sake of the length of this statement, banks failing, Nashville, etc, (if you would like to read my opinion on each or any event, please let me know). Each problem that we face has a solution, I understand that there can be a difference of opinion on the possible solutions and that is needed. However, there comes a time when people need to be silent, open their ears and minds, and bring common sense back to the forefront before we get too far in either direction. Therefore, if you do not see the change that you want to see, in any aspect of your life, then you yourself has to be the change. You have the right to tell who represents you how to vote on a bill, you have the right to donate money and time to the person that aligns with your views. People tend to forget that they can do those things and that we still have the right to do so. Those with the ability to take action, have the responsibility to take action if they so choose.

I truly believe that Abraham Lincoln was one of the most important if not the most important presidents in the history of the United States of America, though he was far from perfect but remember that perfection does not exist. During his presidency the country was fighting a civil war, we as a country were divided to the point where brothers were killing each other. But at the end of it, we were and still are the United States of America. Being divided is something that we are currently experiencing, whether you want to admit it or not, and that is why I think revisiting the Lincoln presidency is something people should take the time to do. Because, as I have said, wisdom is welcome no matter the source, and history takes place in a cycle. Yes, times are different but the knowledge remains true. Lincoln understood what the patriots fought and died for during the revolution, he understood what a gift this country is, though it was, is, and never will be perfect and that should be accepted but that does not mean that we should not strive to do our absolute best, because it is our duty to plant trees that we will never be able to enjoy the shade of.

I want to end with words from Lincoln himself.

“The world has never had a good definition of the word liberty, and the American people, just now, are much in want of one. We all declare for liberty; but in using the same word we do not all mean the same thing. With some the word liberty may mean for each man to do as he pleases with himself, and the product of his labor; while with others the same word may mean for some men to do as they please with other men, and the product of other men's labor. Here are two, not only different, but incompatible things, called by the same name liberty. And it follows that each of the things is, by the respective parties, called by the two different and incompatible names--liberty and tyranny.” -Speech, Sanitary Fair, Baltimore, Maryland, April 18, 1864 (HSW]