Where We Draw the Line Today

“In the era of globalization, we draw that line between those parts of the world that are actively integrating their national economies into a global economy, or what I call globalization’s Functioning Core, and those that are failing to integrate themselves into that larger economic community and all the rule sets it generates, or those states I identify as constituting the Non-Integrating Gap.” — Thomas P.M. Barnett, The Pentagon’s New Map, p.25-26.

The Focus of National Security

“Rather than dwell on the unpredictability of future threats or attacks, our strategic vision for national security needs to focus on growing the community of states that recognize a stable set of rules regarding war and peace, as in ‘These are the conditions under which it is reasonable to wage war against identifiable enemies to our collective order.’  Growing that community of like-minded states is simply a matter of identifying the difference between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ regimes, and rallying the former to work collectively to encourage the latter to change their ways, applying military power when diplomacy alone does not do the trick.” — Thomas P. M. Barnett, The Pentagon’s New Map, p.25. 

Letter By Sgt. Seth Conner (USMC)

I found this letter on the internet by Cpl. (now Sgt.) Seth Conner: “A Letter to America.”  Read his most recent article here: “My Choice.”

The Relationship Between Christian Citizenship and Christian Discipleship

“Christian citizenship is part of Christian discipleship.  It is part of living consistently, responsibly, and obediently in a sinful society.  While discipleship must never be fused, or confused, with good citizenship, it certainly should transform it just as much as it transforms all other aspects and dimensions of living.  The ethical guidelines in our citizenship activities are exactly the same as for all other areanas of our involvement, including business, education, management, labor unions, the various professions, farming, and any other honorable pursuit undertaken by Christians.  In politics, as in all other areas of life, Christians practice loving servanthood and, having decided to get involved, do so only to the extent that Christian discipleship permits.” — John H. Redekop, Politics Under God, p.34