By "Think Nationally, Act Locally" Author - Darin Gaub - substack.com/@daringaub
As the original trilogy of the Lord of the Rings ended, Frodo was talking to Samwise and said something strangely profound, which applies to the United States today. It was a simple statement that despite all the heroic efforts of the fellowship and others to get the ring of power to Mount Doom, they only set out to “save the Shire,” not to save all Middle Earth.
Why is this profound, and how does it apply to the United States in 2024?
First, our nation’s heroes come from unlikely places and will not be celebrities, influencers, or politicians. Instead, they are our neighbors who decide it is time to hold a local school board accountable or run for a commission seat. They might choose to work through political parties and make them reflect the people's will and not that of a cabal known by any name. They are, and will always be, parents who raise their children to know God and to know America’s real history - the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Second, as much as the nation is focused on Trump and what a second Presidency could mean with him in the White House, someone will come out of the crowd who will be a national hero not seeking name recognition and preferring obscurity to celebrity. They will risk and lose much. Few will know what they put on the line. But the nation will be better off for their sacrifice. Trump has sacrificed and risked a lot but cannot and will not be alone.
Third, real solutions to national reform and the restoration of liberty are not in Washington, D.C.; they are in Sheboygan, Nashville, Helena, and other cities and towns across America. They are found where men and women pray for our nation while also taking meaningful action to rebuild its foundation. A Presidency lasts only four years, but millions of Americans serving where they live can create reform that will last for decades or longer.
Many of us hold the opinion that Washington, D.C. is at best on life support, at worst dead, and we must focus our efforts closer to home. It does not mean we give up and stop fighting to eradicate the evil infesting D.C.; only that most of our time should be spent in our communities. All you need to do is “set out to save the” Shire” and let God guide your” steps, for this is your sacred duty, to obey God and let Him handle the results.
My means to achieve some of what I am advocating are:
§ Co-founding Restore Liberty and building a national network of patriots who will not compromise on truth.
§ Taking over as Chair of my county Republican Central Committee and working within that system to reform it. (If I am only complaining about it and taking no action, I am of no value.)
§ Going on some of the nation’s largest media networks to provide the best analysis and opinions I can.
§ Building a Global Veteran’s Coalition.
§ Serving as the State Director for the State Freedom Caucus’ Network in Montana.
§ Working with national Election Integrity groups
§ Building a neighborhood watch to guard our community and respond to disasters if needed.
§ Writing posts like this to Substack.
What has it cost so far?
Ø Any semblance of the retired military life I imagined.
Ø The ability to grow a private security business.
Ø Job opportunities.
Ø My bride’s teaching career.
Ø At least tens of thousands of dollars of lost income, likely well north of $100,000.
Ø And more.
Many others have lost much more, but we must all be willing to lay something on the line when we know duty demands it. It is not only about us but for our kids and grandkids that we must fight. The remainder of Frodo’s quote is worth highlighting. “We set out to save Shire, Sam, and it has been saved – but not for me.”
Will you put something on the line? If you already have, thank you.
Comments