Kim Kretowicz’s Post

Such a special day in Taiwan for the inauguration of their 5th democratically elected President. Congratulations to our friends President Lai Ching-te and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao and the people of Taiwan! During the President Lai's inspirational speech, it reminded me how much they value their democracy (even when it is messy like their legislature this week). Sometimes, I think those of us in democracies take our freedoms for granted. Taiwan is a such a special place. Despite a history of colonialization and authoritarian rule, they have built a society that embraces the human dignity of all, regardless of religion, ethnicity or gender, bringing peace and prosperity. This robust democracy that embraces religious freedom is in good hands under President Lai Ching-te but they urgently need our strong support to stand against the threats from the Communist Party of China. It is important we are not just against those that violate religious freedoms and human rights, but are FOR those brights spots like Taiwan!

Absolutism, the political doctrine and practice of unlimited centralized authority and absolute sovereignty, as vested especially in a monarch or dictator. The essence of an absolutist system is that the ruling power is not subject to regularized challenge or check by any other agency, be it judicial, legislative, religious, economic, or electoral. King Louis XIV (1643–1715) of France furnished the most familiar assertion of absolutism when he said, “L’état, c’est moi” (“I am the state”). Absolutism has existed in various forms in all parts of the world, including in Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler and in the Soviet Union under Joseph Stalin. (Britannica definition). In the US, Republicans are under the aegis of absolutist politicians like Trump and his cohorts. They demand absolute power, total immunity, anti-immigration, white supremacy, enriching the rich, religious intolerance, power of the gun, and a host of other fascistic orthodoxy. Is this the kind of society Americans love?

Independence and freedom are complex concepts. They trace back to the religious notion of free will and are related to the mystique of sovereignty found at the foundation of every absolute monarchy, modeled on the Ancient Gods and reigning by the grace of belief in a religious obligation. Independence and freedom would never have acquired the significance they hold today without this backdrop. These ideals owe their existence to past oppressions and are sustained by forces inevitably doomed to wear out unless periodically reinvigorated by spectacular lessons or new oppressions. In our contemporary era, the brilliance of these ideals fades, overshadowed by regulations erected in the name of our security but which, in reality, erode our freedom, thus turning protection into an invisible cage. #Dune #Freedom #Independence #FreeWill #RegulationVsLiberty

“This 4th of July, as we gather to celebrate our nation's independence, let us remember the countless individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice, standing on the front lines to protect our freedoms. These brave men and women fought not only for their beliefs but for the fundamental rights we hold dear: religious freedom, free speech, and a nation free from dictatorship. In today's world, it is more crucial than ever to uphold these rights. We must remain vigilant and resist the slow erosion of our liberties. Beware of the influences that seek to blind us, pushing narratives that edge us closer to socialism and communism, eroding the very foundations of our democracy. Our Constitution, a beacon of hope and freedom, enshrines the rights of individuals to protect themselves and bear arms. It is our duty to honor these words and ensure that our freedoms are preserved for future generations. We must also recognize the growing control of the elite and the media in pushing their agendas, often at the expense of our civil liberties. It is essential that we speak out against these forces, protecting our right to free speech and ensuring that diverse voices are heard. This 4th of July, let us celebrate with a renewed commitment to defend and protect our liberties. Let us stand united against the forces that seek to undermine our democracy. Together, we can ensure that the sacrifices of our heroes are never in vain. Stay vigilant. Stay free. Speak out and be counted. The voices of freedom can not be stopped. Happy Independence Day.” Thomas A. Abraham, Chairman of the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation #4thOfJuly #IndependenceDay

The following most assuredly points us to the very essence of much of what we see nationwide in this very deliberately now, barely-still Constitutional Representative Republic: "...Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other..." This quote is from John Adams (1734-1826), a signatory of the Declaration of Independence, one of the framers of the Constitution, and the second president of the United States of America. This quote, and especially its famous last line, expresses a sentiment widely held among the statesmen of the Founding Generation that no matter how well a constitution is constructed, It will not insure freedom and prosperity unless it is supported by a moral, virtuous population. https://lnkd.in/gBcpSstR

📚 The Black Book of Communism: Crimes, Terror, Repression authored by Stéphane Courtois, Andrzej Paczkowski, Nicolas Werth, Jean-Louis Margolin, and other esteemed European academics, delves into the dark annals of communism. 🌐 This meticulously researched work chronicles the chilling history of political repression by communist regimes—genocides, extrajudicial executions, deportations, and the horrors of labor camps and artificially induced famines. From the Soviet Union to China, Cambodia to Cuba, it uncovers atrocities committed in the name of "equality" and "progress." 🔍 The authors meticulously dissect the impact of Leninist and Marxist–Leninist communism—the actual manifestations of this ideology in the 20th century. They distinguish it from the timeless small-c communism, which has existed for millennia. Capital-C Communism, born in 1917 with the Bolshevik Revolution, left an indelible mark on history—one stained with terror, torture, and repression. 📖 The title itself echoes "The Black Book of Soviet Jewry," a harrowing record of Nazi atrocities during World War II. In this vein, The Black Book of Communism serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when ideology trumps humanity. 🌟 Why read it? - To understand the human cost of utopian dreams. - To grapple with the moral complexities of history. - To honor the memory of millions who suffered under totalitarian regimes. 📚In conclusion, as an Indian lawyer, it is imperative for us to be vigilant and proactive in defending our nation against the perils of communism. The Black Book of Communism serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities committed in the name of ideology, urging us to learn from history and safeguard our democratic principles. By fostering awareness, engaging in meaningful dialogue, and upholding the values of freedom and justice, we can collectively strive towards a future where the rights and dignity of every individual are protected. Let's unite in our resolve to combat communism and uphold the sovereignty of our nation and the liberties of our people. 🌟 #History #Communism #HumanRights #BooksThatMatter #FightAgainstCommunism #DefendingDemocracy #IndianLawyer #ProtectingFreedom #CommunismAwareness #HumanRightsAdvocacy #LegalPerspective #IndiaAgainstTotalitarianism #JusticePrevails #CommunismCrimes #HistoricalLessons #SocialJustice #EqualityMatters #FreedomFighter #LegalActivism

A Celebration of Freedom - "America the Beautiful" The Declaration was a powerful assertion of the colonies' right to be free and self-determined, laying the groundwork for the birth of a new nation. Independence Day celebrations have evolved over the centuries, but certain traditions have become quintessentially American. Fireworks displays light up the night skies, symbolizing the spirit of celebration that followed the successful quest for independence. While the Fourth of July is a day of celebration, it is also an opportunity for reflection. The ideals enshrined in the Declaration of Independence – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – remind us of the ongoing journey toward equality and justice for all Americans. As fireworks light up the sky and communities come together, the Fourth of July stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of freedom and the shared commitment to building a more perfect union. #RevolutionaryWar #AmericanRevolution #StarsandStripes #AmericanDream #GodBlessAmerica #UnitedWeStand #AmericanValues #AmericanHeritage #July4th #AmericanCulture #AmericanSpirit #AmericanIdentity #AmericanExceptionalism #AmericanIndependence #USAstrong #ValueIcons #ValueIconsAmericanRevolution #VIAmericanIndependence #ValueIconsAmericanFreedom #ValueIconsUSAstrong #ValueIconsAmericanSpirit #ValueIconsAmericanCulture #ValueIconsGodBlessAmerica #ValueIconsAmericanHeritage #ValueIconsAmericanRevolution #ValueIconsBeautifulAmerica #ValueIconsIndependenceDayCelebrations #ValueIconsAmericanLegacy #ValueIconsAmericanTradition

Happy Juneteenth! The link below is to an article I wrote on Juneteenth and its importance to freedom in America: https://lnkd.in/gav3Wu-h

"In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution." - Thomas Jefferson. Any society that systematically deprives individuals of the fruits of their labor, restricts their freedom of thought and action, or compels them to behave against their own judgment, creates a fundamental conflict with the inherent nature of humankind. Such a system, characterized by institutionalized oppression, cannot be considered a true society, but rather a form of organized subjugation. This type of society not only undermines the core values of human interaction but also poses a significant threat to the very survival of individuals and communities. Life on a desert island is safer than and incomparably preferable to existence in Soviet Russia, Maoist China, Nazi Germany, or Radical Islamic State! Recognizing individual rights necessitates acknowledging and upholding the conditions inherent to human nature, crucial for their well-being and survival. Any infringement upon these rights, from denying freedom of choice, freedom of expression to enslavement, relies solely on physical force. It is through such coercion that one individual can impose their will upon another, stripping them of their agency and basic human rights. #freedomofspeech #freedomofexpression #individuality #capitalism #freemarket #secularism