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Dear John,
With Vladimir Putin testing the resolve of Western leaders as he unleashes the massive Russian military to invade the sovereign nation of Ukraine over the last week, Americans are left wondering: What will our nation's response be?
This is a time when America must project strength on the world stage since weakness only emboldens aggressors.
Unfortunately, when it comes to the U.S. military, President Joe Biden and his administration have spent the last year focused on only one battle: undermining biblical, conservative values within the ranks.
I've seen a lot of dangerous things on the battlefield, but I am more concerned about our military today than ever before.
As an Army veteran of 36 years, retiring as a Lieutenant General, I'm no uninformed observer. I have trained and provided leadership to countless men in uniform.
Since Biden entered office, he has worked to dismantle the previous administration's policies that strengthened our military and upheld service members' religious freedom.
Under his leadership, the Department of Defense has doubled down, following in the steps of the Obama administration by pushing a progressive social agenda on service members -- one that is detrimental to military readiness, unit cohesion, and the ability to fight and win wars.
These efforts aren't mere idle threats, either.
On December 20 -- conveniently timed during holiday busyness to avoid scrutiny -- the Department of Defense quietly revised their policies related to "extremist activity." According to a Pentagon spokesman, they're "focused on prohibited activity, not on a particular ideology thought or political orientation."
But I know creative PR when I see it. This ultimately isn't about weeding out extremism as they claim -- they're actually weeding out people of faith and principle.
FRC is on the front lines, defending the religious freedom and free speech rights of America's service members.
Will you help advance FRC's mission as we defend our men and women in uniform when they need it most? Your best gift will fuel our mission of education and mobilization for thousands of conservative believers to stand in the gap!
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Allow me to outline the current operational state of play regarding the Biden administration's radical agenda. It started on his first day in office, as Biden sought to reverse policies long backed up by military commanders.
The Department of Defense released a comprehensive study in 2018 that found gender dysphoria presents a "considerable risk" to the U.S. military's effectiveness. Acting on this data, the Trump administration wisely allowed existing personnel to remain in the military while preventing those who identify as transgender from joining.
On day one, a Biden executive order struck down that policy.
Since then, their ship of state has veered even further left. Within days, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a "Stand-Down to Address Extremism in the Ranks." But any actual extremist group member already had no place in the military.
This executive order defined extremism so broadly it could include anyone "advocating for a certain belief system," to quote military attorney Roger Maxwell. He added: "Any Facebook post or offhand comment could potentially fit under this definition."
Could service members find themselves in violation of Secretary Austin's order if they post on social media that women's sports should be reserved for biological females? Or could they be court-martialed for attending a pro-life event?
Maxwell warns that even "a chaplain of a normal Christian persuasion would fit under this definition" of extremism. Even though they say they're not after ideology -- like a service member's political leanings or religious beliefs -- it simply isn't true.
Those who faithfully serve our nation in uniform must be able to exercise the First Amendment rights they fight to defend.
FRC plays a critical role in raising awareness when their rights are infringed upon--and, sometimes, those efforts lead to top brass reversing course.
Can you back up FRC with prayer and vital financial support in this critical hour? You can be the much-needed cavalry for us as we mobilize pastors, parents, and citizens like you.
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I could recount stories of several faithful chaplains, serving in all branches of the military, who faced censure and lengthy military reviews after merely acknowledging God and quoting Scripture in social media posts.
In the midst of crises at home and abroad, the Biden White House is doubling down on the policies of the Obama administration, labeling conservative, biblical views as "extremism."
Make no mistake: the opponents arrayed against truth and righteousness are relentless.
But to see the big picture, we need only open up God's Word. 1 John 4:4 states: "He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
Today, FRC is positioned to impact the nation with effective strategies. We're resourcing the church ... we're bolstering stalwart grassroots conservative legislators ... and we're reaching thousands of Americans week after week.
That's especially true as our flagship program Washington Watch now airs as a TV broadcast on several emerging networks along with almost 800 radio stations nationwide.
FRC's vital mission to impact the culture can only advance with your faithful support. I thank you in advance for doing your part. Rest assured we will do ours!
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