Dear Friends,

Let me take the time to wish you all a very happy Independence Day.  I often joke around with my wife Jill that leaving here in the Boston area leaves me feeling “historically enriched.”  Standing on the Lexington Green battlefield and Concord’s North Bridge, do certainly do cause me to reminisce about those brave men of years gone by who gave their lives for the freedoms we now take for granted.

But I fear we have done just that, we have come to take our freedoms for granted.  The past few weeks, Jill and I have both been enjoying the HBO documentary on the life of John Adams (based on the David McCullough book).   At the same time, I have been reading through the Freedom Documents, a collection of patriotic, historic and stirring writings compiled by Pastor Chuck Baldwin (who also happens to be the Constitution Party Presidential Nominee).  I have come to the overwhelming conclusion that people just don’t think this way anymore.  We don’t think about freedom or liberty anymore.  We just assume we have it, even as we watch them slowly disappear.  Let me give you a few examples:

According to the National Right to Life, we have seen the execution of 48,589,993 unborn children since the infamous Roe V. Wade decision.  We allow millions on innocent children to be murdered every year, and we simply call it a choice.  Even though our Constitution recognizes the right to life and our Declaration of Independence refers to this right as unalienable, self-evident and given by God, our Supreme Court, our Congress, and politicians throughout the land callously ignore the screams of the dying.  We care about human rights violations in Darfur and China, but not about our own right to life here in our own nation.  And worst of all, we Christians who know the truth, have lost our sense of outrage at this heinous crime.  We have grown desensitized and have accepted abortion as a fact of life.  In the political realm, we have lost the desire to make this even an issue.  After all, we don’t want to be known as one-issue voters.  How sad…

What about taxes?  On our anniversary, Jill and I had the opportunity to take cruise around Boston Harbor.  We went right be the sight where many years ago brave patriots had staged the Boston Tea Party – a protest over the tax on tea and other related issues.   In our modern time, we have a much greater tax burden than the British government had ever dreamed of imposing upon the Colonies, yet we cannot even muster a whimper about it.  We now find ourselves in the position of having to report to Washington every dime of every dollar we earn, and exactly from where and how we earned it.  And if we make the slightest mistake, the government will throw us in jail or tax us again with heavy fines.  Apparently “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures” does not apply to taxes and tax forms.  But again, where is the outrage?  Why are people not shouting from the rooftops?  We have ceased to care. 

Back in the days of our Founding Fathers, the prevailing thought was that in order for the people to enjoy liberty and freedom, their government must be small, limited and carefully watched.  Today, our federal government is a bloated bureaucracy that is utterly out of control.  We all complain about this, yet at the same time, we expect our government to feed us, cloth us, and provide us with health care.  If we fail to manage our money correctly, we expect the federal government to give us social security and take care of us completely in our old age.  We have grown completely dependant upon Washington to meet even our most basic of needs.  We have forgotten the words of Jefferson, “A government large enough to give you everything is a government large enough to take it all away.”

Even our right to vote is being taken away by the judiciary out of control.  The judiciary was intended merely to interpret the law, not to make it.  Separation of powers is one of the bedrocks of the Constitution.  Yet, we see today that just the opposite is true.  What cannot be accomplished through the ballot box is done through the court system.  Homosexual marriage is now legal in Massachusetts and California - not through enacted law from their state legislatures or by vote of the people, but through the courts.  Here in Massachusetts, our governor (Deval Patrick) begged state legislators not to allow the people to vote, though thousands signed a petition to do just that.  Patrick knew the will of the people and purposefully and deceitfully persuaded lawmakers to ignore it and contradict it.  He simply did not want the people to have their say or their vote. 

But then again, I don’t understand why Deval Patrick was even worried.  After all, Christians cannot be counted on to vote as Christians anyway.  Countless times I have been told that Christians must not infuse their faith into the political system.  Of course, we then go on to complain about how corrupt the political system is.    How can it be anything but corrupt if there is no Godly presence!  Many Christians want to divorce their faith entirely from the way they vote.  This is how someone like Pat Robertson can endorse Rudy Giuliani who supports the right of women to murder their unborn children.  We refuse to vote for anyone without an “R” beside their name, no matter what their stance.  When I ran for Congress last year, I was the ONLY pro-life candidate in the race.  However, very few people who AGREED with my views would support me.  Why?  They would not support me because I was the Constitution Party nominee, not the Republican Party nominee who was pro-death (i.e. “pro-choice”).  Their reasoning was clear – the Democrat was too dangerous to elect, so we will go with the lesser of two evils (even though there was a third choice whose views we could support).  Christians have sent the Republican Party a clear message – We will vote for whoever you nominate no matter what his views may be.  Do you really think this will encourage the GOP (or anyone else) to raise up candidates with clear moral stances? 

When we give up our vote, we give up our voice.  This really gets down to the point I would like to make in this whole article.  Somebody needs to say something!  We have remained silent far too long.  I love our country.  I thank the Lord each day that I live in America.  But, because I love this nation so much, I do not want it to decline - or even worse - face the same judgment as Sodom.  In the spirit of our fore fathers, Christians need to stand up.  It seems as though we have lost our will to fight.  We have lost our outrage.  Somebody needs to look at the world around us and say enough is enough!  If Christians cannot do this, who will?  Who are we waiting for?  Or, are we just content to let this nation continue its slide into further depravity?

Yes, I understand that one day this world will perish.  I understand that the mission of the Church is to not elect a candidate but to save souls.  But may I remind you that as our liberties continue to diminish, our freedom to preach the gospel also diminishes?  After World War II, Douglas McArthur asked missionaries to come to Japan as they would have a wonderful opportunity to witness there now.  I can recall in my own time, which as the Iron Curtain came down in the Soviet Union, we were excited about the chance to send in missionaries.  After the liberation of Iraq, many churches were quick to send in missionaries.  Freedom of speech in other lands is an opportunity.  But, can we then reason that as we loose our freedoms here, opportunities for gospel presentations may also diminish?  Would you rather preach in a free nation or in a “closed” nation? 

Speaking of missions, what about the support we send to those on the field each month?  I have a friend who is a missionary in Australia.  He finds himself in the odd position of losing much of his missionary support.  No church has stopped giving to him, and no church has reduced the amount they are sending.  Why is he loosing support then?  The dollar just is not what it used to be.  When we send him our dollars, they must first be exchanged.  As the dollar continues to lose value, my missionary friend receives less support through the exchange rate.  You see, the economy here in America has an effect on the foreign missionaries your church supports.

All of these issues are important.  In life, there is no division of secular and sacred.  God is sovereign over all areas of life, not just in church-related matters.  As Christians, we must take our stand, yes, even in the political arena.  John the Baptist was not afraid of preaching against Herod’s adultery, apparently no one told him to separate his religious views from his politic views.

Christians, take this Independence Day to reflect on what the Lord has called you to do for our nation.  Not everyone will be a preacher.  Not everyone will be a politician.  But everyone can make their voice known.  Yes, share the gospel with every creature.  Yes, do not be afraid to engage the culture around us!  Part of the gospel message is the recognition of sin.  Do not be afraid to point out the evils of our society, even if it means getting a little political. 

By the way, do not let anyone fool you into thinking we cannot win in the political arena.  I hear all the time that no matter what we do, Christians cannot win.  Did you know that Christians ar the only people who think they cannot win.  If Christians are not a true political force, than why does the media talk about the "Christian Right?"  If Christians cannot make a difference, then why is Barak Obama openly courting evangelicals?  Why John McCain trying to seem like more of a conservative?  Again, Christians are the only ones who think they cannot win.

We all admire our Founding Fathers, especially on occasions such as this.   We often cherish them not merely as statesmen, but as strong Christians with a great love of God.  We love to talk about our Christian heritage here in America.  But why do Christians cherish spirituality in 1776 and refuse to demand the same in 2008?  We had no problem in 1776 with mixing faith and politics, but in our modern day Christians discount the idea altogether. 

Christian, stand up and be counted.  Do not allow your voice to be silenced!  That it true legacy of our Founding Fathers.

“Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.  For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.” - James 4:13-15

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” - II Corinthians 5:10

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” - John 14:6

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.  Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” - Romans 5:8-9

“My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:  And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” - I John 2:1-2

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.  In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” - John 14:1-3

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.  For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.  For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.  For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” - Romans 10:9-13

Kevin Thompson is an Assistant Pastor in MA and a one-time candidate for the US Congress. You can visit his website at www.kevinjthompson.info, read his blog at http://kevinjthompson.wordpress.com, or listen to him weekly on the Understanding our Times internet radio broadcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes.

I hate to admit it, but there are some times that I wonder if taking the third party route I have chosen was really the best way to go.  After all, am I really making that much of a difference?  Well, after reading the news this morning, I am once again confident that my choice of the Constitution Party was right on the mark!

This morning, the big news here in the Boston area is focused on State Senator James Marzilli.  According to the Boston Herald account, “State Sen. James Marzilli was arrested in Lowell yesterday after he allegedly attempted to sexually assault a stranger sitting on a park bench, gave police a false name and then led officers on a foot chase that ended in a downtown parking garage, law enforcement officials said.”

How shamefully sad for the people this man represents. What is all the more shocking is, this is not the first time for the distinguished Senator.  At least two other women have come forward in the past with similar accusations.  These charges came just about three weeks ago.  The prosecutor decided not to file charges.   Apparently, Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone decided to give Marzilli another chance.  Of course, he did take another chance, at another woman!

This is just another example of politics as usual.  Here we have one politician covers for another politician.  Marzilli has been in public office for many years now and believes he is above the law and not accountable to the people.  He is a sexual predator among the very people he was elected to represent.  

But what I fear even more than any of this is the culture that allows for such unthinkable action.  Politicians believe they can do whatever they wish to do, regardless of the law.  They believe themselves to be above the law.  This attitude is evidenced not just in dirty old men like Marzilli, but in state legislatures around the country, the US Congress and even the President Himself.  They all believe themselves to be above the law.

We are witness to this all the time, every day.  Sure, most elected officials are not out there harassing women (though some are) and committing heinous crimes.  However, most in government are ignoring and think themselves above the most basic and fundamental law in our nation, the US Constitution. 

Each and every day this historic document is trampled on and rendered irrelevant by lawmakers.  There is no concern to stay within the realm of constituted boundaries.  This why the President can throw us into the horrors of war without a Congressional declaration.  This is why  Congress can spend money like a drunken sailor, leave our grandchildren with a crippling national debt and rob us of more and more of our hard-earned money under the guise of a “tax.” 

As if this were not enough, here in Massachusetts, we add even more fuel to the fire.  We have a governor who openly detests the idea of the people having their will be done.  He asked the state legislators to ignore our own state constitution and deny the people their right to vote.  He also wanted to give special privileges to illegal immigrants by granting them in-state tuition rates to our local colleges.  When the folks upon on Beacon Hill, the ones supposedly representing the people, made it clear they would have nothing to do with it, Governor Patrick went searching for a way to by-pass the people and legislative system altogether.  Like a tyrant believing himself to be above the law, he wanted to find a way to enact this himself.  Incredible!

Everyone is all abuzz about Scott McClellan’s new book, What Happened: Inside the Bush White House and Washington’s Culture of Deception.  For those of you not familiar with McClellan, he was the White House Press Secretary from 2003-2006.  In fact, McClellan’s relationship with Bush even goes back to Bush’s days as the governor of Texas.

In this new book, Scott McClellan shocks the White House by declaring what some of us have been suspecting all along – we were mislead in the days leading up to our invasion of Iraq.  He also claims that Vice President Dick Cheney is the real man behind-the-scenes pulling the puppet strings.  He lambastes Condi Rice as a woman mainly concerned with her own image as opposed to the well-being of the nation.  And of course, he has more harsh words to say about Karl Rove, suggesting he and Scooter Libby are guilty of more than they let on… 

I have to be honest with you; I think McClellan may be right.  As I wrote above, some of us have had these suspicions for quite some time now.  Yet, at the same time, I am quite disappointed.  You may think those two statements may be contradictory.  Let me explain.

Here is Scott McClellan, a top man in the Bush White House, a trusted Bush advisor from Texas.  Here is a man that knows the in’s and out’s.  Here is a man who George W. Bush trusts.  It is one thing for someone like me to make these charges, I don’t know much.  I have never even met the President.  I am just some guy with a blog.  No one really cares what I think.  I have no credentials in this matter.  But Scott McClellan is a man with an inside connection.  He is a man in a position to know things. 

However, this recent book comes out tainted.  This is not the courageous story of a man who stood up for what was right and now wants the world to know what is really going on here.  This is the ramblings of a disgruntled former employee.  Not a whistle-blower, but a malcontent.  He stood by and watched all these things happen, and was even complicit in them!  He never stood up and said, “This isn’t right!”  Never is there any account of McClellan pleading with the President to change his ways.  He never resigned.  He never protested.  He simply took his pay and took his orders.  This is the very definition of cowardice. 

Now, when people read this book or listen to his story, they approach with caution.  Who really trusts a disgruntled ex-employee?  Whatever message gets out is viewed with doubt.  He could have convinced a few people had this book been written before 2006.  He would have gained much more respect had he stood up when he had the chance to really do something about it.  Had that happened, there could have at least been an objective discussion of the matter.

I hate to admit it, but Bob Dole has it right.  The former Senator and Presidential nominee wrote the following e-mail to Scott (according to Fox News):

 Scott,

There are miserable creatures like you in every administration who don’t have the guts to speak up or quit if there are disagreements with the boss or colleagues. No, your type soaks up the benefits of power, revels in the limelight for years, then quits, and spurred on by greed, cashes in with a scathing critique.

In my nearly 36 years of public service I’ve known of a few like you. No doubt you will “clean up” as the liberal anti-Bush press will promote your belated concerns with wild enthusiasm. When the money starts rolling in you should donate it to a worthy cause, something like, “Biting The Hand That Fed Me.” Another thought is to weasel your way back into the White House if a Democrat is elected. That would provide a good set up for a second book deal in a few years.

I have no intention of reading your “exposé” because if all these awful things were happening, and perhaps some may have been, you should have spoken up publicly like a man, or quit your cushy, high profile job. That would have taken integrity and courage but then you would have had credibility and your complaints could have been aired objectively. You’re a hot ticket now but don’t you, deep down, feel like a total ingrate?

BOB DOLE

I think that about sums it up. 

Where is the man who will stand by the courage of his convictions?  We need men and women courageous enough to stand and be counted.  If we ever want to bring this nation back to what it once was, a shinning city on a hill, it will take courage and endurance.  We will have to dig in, and fight hard.  Yes, it will mean sacrifice and ridicule.  But don’t you think that a small price to pay for liberty and freedom.  Others paid a much higher price.  Let us cherish their sacrifice by at least being strong enough to fight for that which we hold dear. 

I was recently interviewed on the millerpolitics.com blog. The interview covered my thoughts concerning the Constitution Party presidential nomination.

You can read the interview here - http://www.millerpolitics.com/6/post/2008/04/kevin-thompson-on-the-constitution-party-in-2008.html

Unbeleiveable!  Just this morning I saw the article posted on the Drudge Report.  I still cannot believe it.  The article reports on Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Senator Hillary Clinton, touring prominent gay bars in PA. 

If you have the stomach, go ahead and read this article on msnbc -  http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/04/19/921148.aspx

Given the choice between Hillary and Obama, and cannot understand how any devoted Christian can remain a member of the Democratic Party.  Already in Congress there have been attempts made to force a radical homosexual agenda on the American people, and yes, even our churches and religous organizations.  If either Hillary and Obama are elected, I suspect that not only will we see more of such legislation proposed, but even passed with support from the White House.  Of course, this is all done in the name of tolerance, love and acceptance.

Christians need to wake up and see what is going on in the world around us,  Burying our heads in the sand and waiting for the rapture is not what Christ would have us to do.  We need more pastors, churches and believers willing to stand up for righteousness.  We cannot afford to be silent.

More than just a political statement for "family values," we must be willing to declare sin to be just that, sin.  This world needs to know they have offended a sovereign, holy God who tells us the wages of this sin is death.  Only then can we share with them the wondrous truth about the gospel.  Without a knowledge of sin there is no need of a saving of any kind from it. 
This is a message that will not be heard in any political campaign or press release.  Pastors, Churches and Christians need to start doing their job once again.  When high-profile presidential candidates and government officials can take such offensive actions, how can the church remain silent?  Who else is there to voice their outrage? 

We have allowed issues such as homosexuality and abortion to become merely political issues instead of theological and moral issues.  The Bible has much to say on both of these issues.  Matters of human sexuality, orientation and certainly matters of life and death are absolutely issues that Scripture addresses and our Lord has given commands concerning.  Yet, they have become merely political issues in the minds of most Americans simply because politicians are the only ones speaking about them!  Again, America's pulpits have remain silent, by and large.

Where is the modern-day John the Baptist who stand firm against the immorality of modern day Herods?  If Christians will not declare the truth against sin, who will?  Christians, wake up! 

Kevin Thompson is an Assistant Pastor in MA, a former candidate for the US House of representatives, as well as a member of the Constitution Party of Massachusetts state committee. You can visit his website at www.kevinjthompson.info, read his blog at http://kevinjthompson.wordpress.com, or listen to him weekly on the Understanding our Times internet radio broadcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes.

Most conservatives I know are deeply disturbed by the results of this year’s election. What happened? Where is the conservative-standard bearer we were all hoping for? I think the more important question that must be asked is this – if conservatives do not like McCain, how in the world did he get the nomination?

Some would suggest that the conservative vote was siphoned off by a number of different candidates. In other words, conservatives failed to back one candidate and so their support was weakened by supporting a number of different candidates such as Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee and Mitt Romney. Yet, as I recall, conservatives were not happy with those selections either, and with good reason. 

The truth is, there were real conservatives in this race – Tom Tancredo, Duncan Hunter, Ron Paul and Alan Keyes. However, no one was willing to throw their support behind these men. Their conservative message and principles never caught on within their own party – at least on a national level.

It is time to wake up and realize what has happened here. The Republican Party, quite frankly, is no longer a conservative party. Conservative parties are made up of conservative voters who nominate conservative candidates. The GOP did not even come close to this. It is time conservatives understood this, they have been betrayed.

So what is a conservative voter to do? They could support the lesser of two evils, hold their nose, and cast their vote for McCain – the lesser of two evils. At least that way we prevent a Democrat from taking office. Of course, should you choose this route, please realize you have done nothing to promote your own values or principles. You will have still failed to elect a conservative. 

Is there another option? Yes. We can follow the lead of Dr. Alan Keyes. A lifelong Republican, Dr. Keyes has announced he has finally had enough. On April 15, he announced his departure from the Republican Party? Where will he go? He is openly expressed a desire to run with the Constitution Party.

As I Constitution Party member since 2006, I admire the courage of Dr. Keyes and others like him. I too had to make this decision, and it was not easy. But enough was enough. I could no longer support a party who refuses to protect our borders or even to protect innocent human life in the womb. You have to draw the line somewhere. 

This year is an exciting year for the Constitution Party. On April 26, next Friday, we will select our Presidential nominee. Our two leading candidates are Dr. Alan Keyes and Dr. Chuck Baldwin. Unlike the choices in other parties, our nomination is between two excellent candidates, either of whom I would be more than happy to support.

Dr. Alan Keyes is a proven champion of family and moral values. Our country does not have a more passionate, eloquent defender of the pro-life cause. Dr. Keyes’s name recognition and national campaign operation would be a valuable asset to the party. Just his name alone would attract more people into our fold. Learn more by logging on to www.alankeyes.com. 

Dr. Chuck Baldwin was our 2004 Vice Presidential candidate, an outspoken pastor not afraid to speak out on the issues that matter most. He is often referred to as the “Conscience of the Constitution Party.” Baldwin hosts a daily radio program and writes a widely syndicated newspaper column. Learn more by logging on to www.chuckbaldwinlive.com.

Both candidates have their strong points and their weak points. But, either way, we will have a strong candidate who will fight to restore the Constitution and defend the liberties we hold so dear. 

To my fellow conservatives still remaining in the GOP, I say this, haven’t you had enough? Aren’t you tired of being in a party where your views are merely tolerated, instead of championed? Come, take a brave step of faith, and join us over here. You’ll have a home with others who are like-minded. Do we have a chance of winning? Some say no. I say otherwise. Yet ultimately, this decision rests in your hands. Candidates are elected only have the people have spoken. How will you use your voice? Should you chose to support McCain, he may just win and our candidate would lose. If enough patriots decided to vote their conscience, then there is absolutely no telling what could happen.

Two weeks ago it was my humble honor to walk upon the famous Lexington Green in Lexington, MA. Here, hundreds of years ago, a shot was heard around the world, the start of a war that would lead to our country’s independence. This war was waged not between two armies of equal strength and might, but between the most power army on the face of the earth and rag-tag bunch of farmers with little to no battle experience. Yet, within this much smaller “army,” was a desire for freedom that would never be satisfied with anything less than their liberty. One author once told us to never doubt a small group of concerned citizens who claim they will change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has. 

Will we win? The choice is yours? Do you have the courage to make the right decision?

Kevin Thompson is an Assistant Pastor in MA, a former candidate for the US House of representatives, as well as a member of the Constitution Party of Massachusetts state committee. You can visit his website at www.kevinjthompson.info, read his blog at http://kevinjthompson.wordpress.com, or listen to him weekly on the Understanding our Times internet radio broadcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes.

As April 15th approaches, many Americans have just one thing one their minds - taxes.  Wouldn't it be wonderful if April 15th were just another beautiful day in spring?  Dr. Alan Keyes, candidate for President, believes we can make that happen.  He suggests that we can not only abolish the income tax altogether, but replace it with a plan that provides enough revenue to run an efficient government, that is simple enough for common folks to understand, and is not an undue burden on the taxpayer.  It is called the fair tax.  Our topic this week is the fair tax and it is our honor to have on the program one of this country's leading champion for conservative and family values, Dr. Alan Keyes.  You can learn more about the Keyes Campaign by logging on to www.alankeyes.com.  Join us live! 
 
As you can imagine, Dr. Keyes has an incredibly busy schedule, so will only be with us for our first 30 minutes.  However, after the interview is concluded, we will open up the phone lines for you to call in concerning your thoughts on this topic. 

Broadcast – Understanding Our Times

Website - http://www.blogtalkradio.com/understandingourtimes

Time – Saturday, April 12, at 5:00 pm EST

Length – 30 Minutes

Call-In Phone Number – (347) 945-7171      

You can join us live Saturday afternoon at 5:00 pm EST, or download the broadcast in mp3 format at a time more convenient for you.  Please note, for this special occassion, our usual time has changed.  We will be live at 5:00pm EST (4:00pm CST).  This is a change!

Dear Friends of the Constitution,

Ever since December of 2006, I have been thinking that one man really ought to be our next President – Pastor Chuck Baldwin.  However, at the time, I just dismissed the thought as wishful thinking.  Many people today would make good Presidents, but there can only be one and it takes a lot of money, publicity and comprises to get there.  Oh well…

Yet, since joining the Constitution Party around that same time (November of 2006), my eyes have been opened to many new things and ideas.  I made the vow never to vote for the lesser of two evils again.  Our Founding Fathers handed down to us a republic based on the idea of representation.  Therefore, it is my job as a citizen to vote for the candidate who best represents my views and opinions.

I know many people who are greatly discouraged at our current line-up of mainstream Presidential candidates.  Even the Republican Party is not happy with the candidate they have all but nominated.  Conservatives find themselves in a pickle.  True conservatives could never bring themselves to vote for John McCain.  But who should they vote for?  What other option is there?  My proposal – vote for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitution Party.

Chuck Baldwin is an unquestionable champion of Constitutional liberty.  Baldwin has the character and backbone to stand up to those who threaten our God-given freedom.  He will not begin auctioning off his beliefs one by one as the pressure mounts to become part of the mainstream, status quo, bureaucratic mess that has taken over Washington.

Yet, this all stands second to his commitment first to the Lord.  Pastor Baldwin understands the sovereignty of God in all matters and willfully submits to this Authority.  Instead of merely seeking to limit the scope of abortion, Chuck Baldwin would be our greatest ally in abolishing this wicked act forever.  He would stand in defense of our families in his rigid opposition to those who seek to push their radical homosexual agenda.

President Baldwin would never engage our military in tyrannical empire-building overseas, sell out to the United Nations, or allow our nation to merge in a deplorable North American Union.  He would, however, seal our borders, keep America safe, and send deportation notices to all those who are here illegally.

But most of all, Chuck Baldwin would bring our government back to its constitutionally limited size.   Some seek to limit earmarks, Chuck Baldwin would eliminate all unconstitutional spending and restore the Ninth Amendment!  He would put an end to illegal wiretaps and government intrusion into our personal lives.

If you are already familiar with Dr. Baldwin, I am sure you already know of all this.  If you are not, please visit www.chuckbaldwinlive.com and acquaint yourself with this fine Christian, patriot.  

Now, I can already hear the objections – he’s not well known!  I realize this.  Perhaps our party would be better off with someone with more name recognition such as Bob Smith, Judge Roy Moore or Alan Keyes.  All of these potential candidates are great men and worthy of your consideration.  Of course I, along with many of you, jumped on the Ron Paul bandwagon.  I was the Paul Precinct captain here in Brockton, MA.  I endorsed the man, and I don’t regret it.  However, he made it clear he would not run third party, though it is clear to all the GOP will never let this man take their nomination.

Dr. Baldwin is the only of these candidates who is actually a member of the party!  He has shown his loyalty time and time again.  He is regarded by some to be “the Conscience of the Constitution Party.”  While others may want to use our party for their own advancement, Chuck Baldwin is clearly here for the duration.

Besides, let me throw one other idea out there.  Perhaps this is the idealist in me speaking, but shouldn’t we consider more the person who ought to be our President than the person who has the best chance of winning?  In other words, perhaps we ought to be rooting for the right man than just the man who can go the furthest?  If that were all I was looking for, I would not have left the Republican party in the first place.

Maybe instead of looking for someone with the most visibility, we should be putting our efforts into making the best man visible.  My feeling is we should make Chuck Baldwin our nominee, and work harder than we ever have to give him the platform, visibility and recognition that he actually deserves!  This will be a lot of work, I understand that.  It may even border impossible.  Yet, with my God, all things are possible!

I want to get out there and campaign for a candidate I actually stand with.  I don’t want to use my valuable time stumping for a guy I still have some reservations concerning.  Just for once, I want to be able to support a man I believe in whole-heartedly.  That man is Chuck Baldwin.

At least at this point, Pastor Baldwin has not officially decided to seek the nomination of the Constitution Party.  I urge you to write him an encouraging note.  Let him know he has supporters.  Let him know what we already know – America needs Chuck Baldwin in the White House!  You can contact Dr. Baldwin through his website – www.chuckbaldwinlive.com.

You can also make your thoughts known on my new blog – http://draftchuck.wordpress.com.

Because of Grace,

Kevin Thompson
www.kevinjthompson.info

Kevin Thompson is an Assistant Pastor in MA, a former candidate for the US House of representatives, as well as a member of the Constitution Party of Massachusetts state committee. You can visit his website at www.kevinjthompson.info or read his blog at http://kevinjthompson.wordpress.com.

There, I said it!  For quite some time I have found myself to be a closet Hillary supporter.  I am hoping this woman can win the Democratic nomination for President.  It is now out in the open for all to see.

The truth of the matter is, Barrak Obama is far more liberal than Hillary Clinton.  Last month, the National Journal Magazine has labeled Obama the most liberal member of the United States Senate with a composite liberal score of  95.5.  Mrs. Clinton ranked only 16th with a composite liberal score of  82.8.  How these scores were calculated can be found here - http://nj.nationaljournal.com/voteratings/methodology.htm. 

The one issue in which Barrak Obama clearly displays his bone-chilling liberalism is abortion.  His record while an Illinois State Senator is appalling at best, criminal at worst.  Obama is the best friend an abortionist ever had.  While in Illinois, Obama fought against a bill that would protect children fortune enough to actually SURVIVE a late term abortion.  Not even NRAL opposed this bill.  Barrak Obama fought, yes fought hard, to defeat this bill.  In other words, he still wanted these babies dead!  This is deplorable!  You can read more about Obama and abortion here -  http://closedcafeteria.blogspot.com/2008/01/obamas-abortion-record.html. 

For all the fear-mongers conservatives have done concerning Mrs. Clinton, they have only paved the way for a more liberal Senator to take the nomination and maybe even the White House.   I knew of many friends of mine (conservative, constitutionalist and libertarian) who actually switched to the Democratic party just to vote for Senator Obama to voice their objection to Mrs. Clinton.  Now, look at what you have done!  You have fallen for the trap and took the bait! 

The worse Clinton looks, the better Obama looks.  Obama, for too many, looks almost Messiah-like.  With the endorsement of the Kennedy clan, he seems to have a Bobby Kennedy, populist appeal.  He is a man of the people, one who really cares.  That is the way he comes off as anyway.  In comparison to the portrait we have painted of Hillary, he cannot help but to look good. 

However, my biggest concern about Obama is his rhetoric.  That is all there is to the man.  He loves to throw around the words hope and change, but fails to show how he plans to bring them about.  There is no substance to this empty suit of a candidate.  In fact, if look back to the National Journal Magazine article concerning his voting record, you will see the man likes to campaign more that he does actually fulfilling his role as a US Senator.  Hillary at least gives us some details of what she plans to do, though I disagree with just about all of it!  Hillary at least knows how to cast a vote in the Senate, though sometimes I wish she did not.

An Obama victory would be a victory of style over substance.  I secretly root for Hillary with the hopes that Democrats at least have the ability to see the emptiness of trite campaign themes and meaningless drivel.   But then again, it does not appear than most Republicans have this ability either. 

It is time likes these when I am thankful for the Constitution Party.  For the record, I would never vote for Hillary Clinton.  It will be my intention to vote for a true conservative, a champion of the Constitution, someone who truly represents my values and beliefs.  Just a hint – I am not describing John McCain.

Mitt Romney is an attractive candidate who has a seemingly endless supply of money. He is an articulate, clean-cut Republican with a respectable track record in business and executive experience. To top it all off, he stands for lower taxes and tighter broader security, while claiming to be pro-life and pro-family. He claims to have led the charge against homosexual marriage while governor of Massachusetts. Best of all, he evokes the name of Ronal Reagan whenever he get the chance. What is not to like about this guy?

Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Brian Camenker of MassResistance. Brian explains for us there much to dislike concerning Mitt Romney. Camenker, a pro-family advocate in the former governor’s state, begins to unravel the Romney deception. When the facts are unveiled, you will see a man who made access to abortion easier in Massachusetts, who promised to be a better advocate for homosexual rights than Ted Kennedy, and who actually made homosexual marriage a legal reality. Ronald Reagan must be turning in his grave each time his name is mentioned in the same breath as Romney.

Listen to this podcast and you will see that any true conservative will run, not walk away, from the Mitt Romney campaign.

Download the mp3 or listen to the streaming audio.

Kevin Thompson is an Assistant Pastor in MA, a former candidate for the US House of representatives, as well as a member of the Constitution Party of Massachusetts state committee. You can read his blog at http://kevinjthompson.wordpress.com

I have honestly placed much prayer and thought into the decision you read about in the headline above. For awhile, I wasn’t planning on endorsing any Republican Party candidate for President. In 2006, I left the GOP and have no intention of ever heading back. The Republicans have long since abandoned the principles I hold dear. This is why I am a proud member of the Constitution Party.However, I did see some candidates on the national level who I thought may be worthy of my vote. These candidates were Tom Tancredo, Mike Huckabee, Alan Keyes and Ron Paul. Here is my thought process:

Tom Tancredo: After having listened to his address to the 2007 CPAC convention, I was sold. Here’s a guy who actually sounded like a conservative, with overtones of Ronald Reagan. I actually did run up to New Hampshire to do some campaigning for the man. However, one thing did bother me about Tancredo – his view on the war. But, I am convinced, had he been in the White House in 2003, we would not be in Iraq today. However, Tom dropped out of the race long before I could ever cast my vote. Then he did the unthinkable – endorsed Mitt Romney. That dropped Tancredo a few points in my book.

Mike Huckabee: I love this man. Here is a Christian who speaks like a Christian! After hearing a few of his messages, I noticed he was echoing some of the same themes I heralded in my run for Congress. Wonderful! I have donated to his campaign, gone to two of his rallies, and even held signs for him. On the moral issues, Huckabee is great. However, on the economic side of the equation – he is terrible. He raised taxes several times as governor, supports in-state tuition for illegal immigrants, and does not quite understand the limitations the Constitution places on the federal government. That ended it for me.

Alan Keyes: Who can’t love Alan Keyes! I think the man is great. His views on the UN and the war bother me some, but not enough to take him out of consideration. He is an inspiration to listen to and takes a very strong pro-life stance. However, the way he is conducting his current bid for the Presidency does force me from going all out for the guy. He began by announcing his plan for national review, even to the extent of asking for seed money. I am a Baptist preacher, but even I think that sounds a little odd. In fact, it sounds more like a tv evangelist than a serious contender. If Alan runs with the Constitution Party, I will support him.

That leaves Dr. Ron Paul. I have been impressed with Dr. Paul from day one. He is the only candidate that has a true commitment to the Constitution. Even since jumping into the national spotlight, he has not compromised or wavered in his convictions one bit. There is only one candidate who answers questions honestly and thoroughly. His candor is refreshing.

I love his view on taxes – abolish the income tax and replace it with nothing! He understands that Congress does not need the revenue the income tax generates, if it were to go back to Constitutional spending only! He understands that the federal government has no right to act outside of what the Constitution calls for – those things being left to the states. He has NEVER voted for a tax increase, an unbalanced budget or a congressional pay increase.

As for moral issues, Ron Paul is the only man left standing for what is right. Folks like Huckabee and Romney say they are pro-life, but where were they when Ron Paul introduced the Sanctity of Life Act before the Congress? This bill would have recognized life beginning at conception, giving us more empowerment to protect the unborn. Where were all the other candidates waiting to sign their name in support? Other candidates speak at pro-life rallies and put on a good show. Ron Paul is the only man brave enough to take real action to effect real change.

On February 5, I will cast my vote for Congressman Ron Paul. I pray that you will consider doing the same.

Kevin Thompson is an Assistant Pastor in MA, a former candidate for the US House of representatives, as well as a member of the Constitution Party of Massachusetts state committee member. You can read his blog at http://kevinjthompson.wordpress.com