The Awakening
By: Beth Conley

Until this election, I was a confused, professing Conservative Republican who accepted what the media told me. I was even unaware of the true deception through sound-bites and would take things at face value. These people are journalists and have a code of ethics right? Deep down things still seemed hard to believe with what the media presented. I questioned how our country was failing in morals, principles, economics, and in views of other countries around the world. I have to admit, I supported the establishment’s views on war because I was angry after 9/11. Whether you believe in God or not, those that do are taught not to do things out of anger and rage. Christian’s are also taught not to bear false witness against others; even if you do not agree with their ideologies. I have to admit that I failed in this area as well, while making excuses about the reasons we should take countries over in the Middle East.
Since then my husband has rejoined the military and I have lived abroad. I have witnessed the antagonistic views of other countries and the obvious financial raping of other foreign government’s charges, on US families’ and military. We shell out an amount for one families rent alone that could support five families here in the United States. I have been treated at off post facilities in a country that has a similar plan to Obama-care. I can assure you that this is not what America needs. This form of care is not what those wanting it are expecting. As executive orders and laws strip our liberties with each pen stroke, I felt hopeless in America’s prosperity. It is easy to feel this way with the publics’ opinion of dishonesty within our government and corporate executives. The joy in life is getting harder to see through those that once possessed it.
In our personal life we searched as a couple looking for an activity we both could like and find in common. Every couple does this to preserve their marriage, especially after 13 years and kids. We found that we are not into golf, I don’t run, he is not into bird watching; so we were pretty much left with horses and guns. Shooting ranges have become a huge part of our dates as strange as that seems. Now we cannot afford ammunition for the one activity that we still have in common and have learned to enjoy together. At this very moment other gun rights are being taken away which will make our “date” time together harder. Anyone with children knows how valuable this time can be and how difficult it can be to find common activities without the kids. There is just something about shooting that relieves stress and makes me feel like I understand my husband better. For those married a long time you may understand, “the saying nothing at all moments but just as comforting”. I believe in our Second Amendment and the strange activity we find in common.
With the bleak forecast of news and events in my life I knew that there must be a straighter path for our country. I began to read my Bible, study historical scholars, and the founders of our Constitution. I learned a great lesson from this study. The first lesson that I learned: showed me that I needed to repent for my anger towards countries that I could not understand and stop stereotyping the bad as a whole. As a Baptist myself, I wondered if other countries viewed my beliefs from our bad examples; such as Westboro Baptist Church. The second lesson: taught me just how messed up we are economically, with foreign policy, and domestic issues. The third lesson is the most vital: If “We the People” do not change our current path we will lose everything, completely, that we have always held dear to us.
Fortunately, in my search for presidential candidates and a new perspective I came across Ron Paul. His voting record is one of integrity and he is 100% Constitutionally sound. I did not know that there were still elected officials that high in office that had not been corrupted by money and pre-determined agendas. At first, I have to admit I did not get him because he is so different then the other “fit-in-a-box” people on TV and in government. This is when my research truly began. I have learned to always check multiple sources for answers and that it is my job as a voter to get involved. Something I never would have done before researching Dr. Paul. He has inspired a movement that is bringing hope and joy back into America. The only problem is that his voice is being silenced by those who live off of greed and corruption. The establishment is terrified of the movement that appeals to a multitude of diverse people that are Republican, Democrat, Independent, Christian, Atheist, Jew, heterosexual, or gay. Once you understand the whole message that Ron Paul presents, a passion stirs inside like experiencing the soldier returning to the arms of their loved ones after a long deployment or a new born baby’s first cry.
The Constitution has worked for this country since 1787. It is time now that we decide as a Nation whether this document can stand true or whether we throw it out all together. These are the realities of this election. Who will decide what our principles are if we have nothing to govern us with? As a military spouse, mother, daughter, patriot, Christian, and extremely concerned American I vote for the Constitution and the awakening of America.