Casted Aside Revolutoin

At my college- I ran into something rather alarming, a girl in my class was saying how she wanted the French Revolution proved to her. I was shocked anybody would say "prove it!" and not believe something such as the French Revolution happened. I was joking about it with my roommate, and another girl explained how she never actually learned it. This was not isolated, apparently many public schools (not all) are erasing the French Revolution.


Hold on there!

I'm an American history girl myself. I believe every period of history is vital though. The French Revolution showed a very powerful part of history--- It started out with grand ideas "liberty", "equality" and promised a brighter future instead of a tyrannical monarchy. Sounds nice, right?  Who wants to live under a monarchy? I wouldn't...

Well, unfortunately did not stay nice.  Power corrupts.  Once a group of men who started out with these grand ideas took power, paranoia and suspicion turned this whole revolution into a bloodbath. It was not meant to turn out this way though.  It is the story of a 5'1 tall revolutionary who started out "incorruptable" yet fell hard (I happen to share this guy's birthday, try to guess who he is), out of touch royal officials (including a queen that Kirsten Dunst played in a popular film), starving people, revolutionaries in what appears to be pajama pants, and a dream for a better society- that turned into a nightmare of terror.

This offers an extreme but very true lesson on what absolute power can do to people. Power must always be checked and balanced, lest something like this happens.

 Without the French Revolution- Napoleon never would have came to power, meaning--- we would never of had the War of 1812, meaning Andrew Jackson would never have been elected as well as many other presidents.
We also never would of had the concept of "nullification" without the French Revolution, nullification started by states ignoring John Adams' Alien and Sedition Acts.

So many periods of history make it easier for us to understand man's nature, and different parts of history--- world and US tie into each other. You can't have one without the other.  The French Revolution needs to be taught in schools.

"It is time for us all to decide who we are."

The time comes in the course of everybody's life to make a huge life altering choice. In the words of Enjolras from Les Miserables "it is time for us all to decide who we are."  I made the commitment to devote my life to politics for freedom when I was 14 years old. Although my political views have changed over the years, the message has not. 

I was part of an amazing group called Generation Joshua. This group changed my life in tremendous ways.  I was Senate Minority Leader in 2010's IGovern. At that IGovern I made a very special commitment to remain politically active.  In 2011 I was a vice presidential candidate, I made some unpopular stances that possibly cost me the vice presidency. It was worth it though, I would speak for what is best for the people, even if it is unpopular politically.  2012 was my last year at IGovern, I because somewhat of an IGovern celebrity. I also was part of three Student Action Teams. Even though we lost several elections we would not give up- we are fighting for the future and liberty, something greater then us.

Reminiscing aside, in 2012 I went through some quandaries. I wanted more then anything to help at IGovern, but I was rather immature and sensitive at times. I knew this may hinder me, so I prayed and reflected on how I may change.  When I first came here to Liberty University I noticed something- I no longer was thin-skinned, I could laugh and be ribbed andays  just let it roll off my back. All those years at IGovern did help me. I remember Joel Grewe telling me the areas in which I needed to change and improve, I took his words to heart and what Joel said over the years made me a better person.  I'm far from perfect- I can never be perfect. I improved and matured over the years though, and looking back and the way I used to think I see how far i've come.


In two days I will be 19.  That is the age of becoming a Generation Joshua leader.  Back in November I was not sure if I was ready to take on such a large responsibility. But after prayer and consideration in January my mind changed--- i'm ready. College and my friends have really helped me mature and grow up. Thank you to everybody for making me who i'am today. 
I long to give the Generation Joshua kids what the GenJ leaders gave me so many years ago. I want to be a good role model, and I want to help them the way Grace, Brittany, Kathy, Joel, Daniel, Jeremiah and Michael helped me.

Yes, I accept it.