The changes that have taken place in America’s value systems and culture during the last fifty years have finally brought us to a fork in that road that has been our nation's history. As we face the future, we must decide whether we will take the road to the right on which we will retain the courage and convictions of our founding fathers when they set forth on their bold new experiment on our shores, or whether we will veer to the left on a road that eventually leads us back to the tyrannies and mediocrity that have always permeated the old world from which our forbearers came. It is not an argument about whether we will blindly cling to the past or evolve into something that is very different. Rather, it is a question as to whether we will apply the values and lessons of that past to the world that stands before us. It is not for me that I write. I have seen it and I have lived it, and I am in the autumn of my years. Rather, it is for my children and grandchildren and my children’s grandchildren that I write, so that they can continue to enjoy the freedom, opportunity, and liberty that I have had in my life. I do not want them to someday say about me, that "He lived during America's Greatest Years." -- Jack Ott

IN THIS ISSUE

ARTICLES

MOVING ON
It is with the famous words from America's history in mind that I bring to a close five years of publishing The Drum and Cannon, not with the satisfaction of knowing that the words of Conservative American thought that appeared here have made a difference, but rather with the recognition that more effective methods are needed to change the direction that our nation is going.

===============

ARCHIVES

FINAL ISSUE: May 23, 2009

certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 
                                                       -- Declaration of Independence

**********************************

the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government : of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
                                                                     -- Gettysburg Address 

**********************************

Moving On

It is with the famous words from America's history in mind that I bring to a close five years of publishing The Drum and Cannon, not with the satisfaction of knowing that the words of Conservative American thought that appeared here have made a major difference, but rather with the recognition that more effective methods are needed to change the direction that our nation is going. The original goal of this website, which first appeared early in the 2004 election campaign, was to awaken apathetic Americans who were too involved in their day-to-day lives to be aware of the dangers that confronted America both from within and without, even at that time.  

It soon became obvious to me, however, that I was “preaching to the choir.” One of the main weaknesses of opinion websites is that, in general, they are read almost exclusively be people who share their opinions. In other words, they reach the wrong audience, unless they stir their otherwise inactive readers into action. 

This is not to say that political websites cannot help mold public opinion. However, it takes something more than one person in front of a keyboard, day in and day out, to accomplish it. I am sure that larger websites such as Townhall.com, The New Media Journal, and The Huffington Post are quite effective. I was happily impressed with the rapid rise and success of Jeff Schreiber’s website America’s Right, which has become my own favorite source of news and commentary on the internet.  

I am not abandoning the ongoing battle with the promoters of Liberal ideology and Socialism within the Democratic Administration and Congress as long as I can lift my fingers to the keyboard.  

I will continue to update the HOLDING CONGRESS ACCOUNTABLE section of the website, tracking congressional votes on key issues as an aide to voters in future elections. 

I will retain the ARCHIVES of all past articles that have appeared on The D&C.  

I will also retain the TRIBUTES section that honors our military, the POLIQUIPS  pages that inject some humor and satire into the political scene, and the LINKS to other conservative websites. 

I would like to thank all of you who have supported The D&C over the years, especially Adam up in Laramie and my fellow blogger Jeff Lukens, who frequently contributed articles to the website. 

Finally, I would like to offer my utmost condolences, gratitude, and respect to those families that have lost loved ones protecting our great country in Iraq and Afghanistan, for it was they who inspired my writing for the past five years to preserve our great nation. To Debbie Johns and David Jeffers, keep up the good work of carrying out your sons' good work. And to all of the brave men and women who served or are serving their country, all I can say is, thank you. You are the one true “hope” for America, and this cantankerous old veteran salutes each and every one of you.

God bless America.

(3) Comments                Post comment

COMMENTS 

Thank you Jack…for all you have done for the cause.  I look forward to much from you.  Let’s keep in touch! 

In Christ

DaveJeffers

Ps. 37:4
________________________________

Jack,

Sorry to hear about the Drum and Cannon. You have some great material there. But I DO know what it's like -- my spare time is nonexistent, yet I find the time somehow.

I think readership is down for a lot of people. Maybe not the big folks, but now that the birth certificate crowd has lost faith in America's Right, our readership has settled in at a fraction of what it was six months ago. Still, I'd rather have a few thousand people stop by each day who want news and commentary, rather than 35,000 who want conspiratorial gossip.

Jack, if you feel the need to write (and I know you will), you are more than welcome to maintain a spot as a contributor at America's Right. I'd be honored to have you aboard.

Hope all is well, and that you have a good weekend. Thank you so much for the kind words -- and I hope you take me up on the offer, as concerned Jeffersonians need you.

Take care,

Jeff Schreiber
____________________________________

Jack, 

I wish you well. I know it is a lot of work to maintain and constantly update a website. I thank you for including my articles on your site these past years. Your final comments on D&C sounded a bit glum. I hope you do not give up the fight. My I suggest that you continue to write and submit you articles to other sites. Than may take some of the burden off your shoulders while your voice is still heard. We need you… 

Best wishes and may we continue to stay in touch.

Your friend,

Jeff Lukens