The real American crisis

If biblical-based capitalism is, at its core, a moral economic system, then its opposite, socialism, is inherently an immoral, godless one

Chuck Williams

Everyone in the Republican Party understands that America is in a deep financial crisis. That's obvious.

But there is a deeper problem, one that is inseparable from most of the challenges we face in the 21st century. And that is our national moral decay.

We as a people have forgotten that the entire basis for our claim to liberty and inalienable rights hinges on the existence of God the Creator — and that God and morality are the foundation of a free society. The framers of our nation understood that the only legitimate purpose of government is to protect our God-given rights.

How can we as a nation suppose that taking God out of our public discourse and public policy-making would not have an immensely negative effect on our liberty and society as a whole?

Nonetheless, all we hear these days is that morals and "social issues" should be placed on the backburner while we address "more important issues" like our failing economy, because "no one cares about 'divisive' moral issues during tough economic times." I believe nothing could be further from the truth.

The moral foundation of a society extends to its economic as well as its political system. Margaret Thatcher said: "Capitalism . . . is a moral system based on a biblical ethic."

Big government, the welfare state, over-taxation, over-regulation — the problems we hear so much about today — all have moral implications: because they disrespect our God-given rights and ignore the legitimate purpose of government, they are in fact inherently immoral and wrong; while on the opposite side of the equation, hard work, thrift, responsibility, self-reliance, liberty — things that truly make a country prosperous when based in respect for God — are morally right.

If biblical-based capitalism is, at its core, a moral economic system, then its opposite, socialism, is inheritably an immoral, godless one. Thus we don't need less talk of morals and God in politics, we need much more if we're to preserve the country our Founders gave us.

Ronald Reagan was not afraid to mention God in public, nor was he afraid to identify God's hand in our nation's creation and history. It was only through the grace of God that the Continental Army won their independence and liberty, and established the most exceptional nation ever to exist. But what makes us exceptional and prosperous is that God and morality are the heart of our nation. We are indeed a "shining city on a hill."

That is why I'm running for Congress. As a Reagan Republican, I believe we cannot think that America will go on existing when we have turned our backs on the source of the rights we cherish: God the Creator. And I'm unafraid to say so!

With solid leadership, I believe the American people — a moral people — will do what is right and throw off the bonds of an over-reaching federal government.

I ask you to join me. Together we will succeed!

Chuck Williams is running for the House of Representatives in Utah's 2nd Congressional District. A former Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, with responsibility for all U.S. military bases worldwide, Chuck and his wife Stefani are homeschooling their four children. (His website is www.chuckwilliamsforcongress.com)