continued from page lief. But ….

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lief. But we do have choice about what it is we believe.

The dramatic change that has taken place in America is the uprooting of the Bible as our starting point for right and wrong.

We have exchanged our faith in God for a faith in government.

In 1950, Gallup reports 0% of Americans said they have no religion. By 1970, this was up to 3%. And by 2023, this was up to 22%.

Over this same time, in 1950, the federal government consumed 14.2% of our GDP. The estimate from the Congressional Budget Office is that in 2024, that percent will be 23.9%.

The preamble to our Constitution explains its purpose is “to secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and posterity.”

Our Constitution was not presumed to be the source of our freedom. We are already free by virtue, as noted in the Declaration of Independence, of being created thus by our God.

Our Constitution was designed to limit interference by government in the ability of free, God-fearing men and women to live their lives as they see fit.

The guideline for behavior, for right and wrong, is that which is transmitted to us from our Creator through the Bible.

Under this reality, America grew and became great.

However, success brings the sin of pride, and we begin to attribute our success to our cleverness rather than our faith and personal responsibility. As increasing numbers of Americans have turned away from God, they have turned more to government.

The sad paradox is that as Americans turn to government, they abrogate the very freedom that the founders envisioned government’s role to secure.

The result is less economic growth, breakdown of the American family and disappearance of children.

Growth of government, growth of federal debt and no children is no formula for a country with a future.

I believe this is what Americans are sensing and what is producing all the negative feelings and pessimism.

We must return to the vision of our founders.

A free nation, under God. And a Constitution that secures “the blessings of liberty.”

Short of this, although we may experience ups and downs, the nation will not realize its great potential.

Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators. com. COPYRIGHT 2024 CREATORS. COM