Regarding the Twelve Steps and recovery, the greatest discipline implemented in the process of attaining Serenity is that of Surrender. However, Surrender is often as elusive and mysterious as Serenity itself. How does one muster the courage necessary in order to affect the type of change required to achieve Serenity by surrendering? In today's meditation, we will explore the answer to this question.

Arguably, the most notorious negative factor of the George W. Bush presidency was the Iraq war. The ousting of a pathetic despot who afterwards appeared to have been no more of a threat to the United States than Grenada and the obscene profiteering which took place in the aftermath by companies like Haliburton and private mercenary gangs were enough to send previously loyal Republican voters packing. Yet, for all the promises of "hope and change", both wars continue to rage and the demand for more soldiers increases daily. Behind these voices are the familiar motivators of paranoia and moral superiority fueled by the Neo-Conservatives and Evangelicals. However, the Obama administration cannot lay claim to these voices in its continued proliferation of war. One driving force for this administration, which has not been concealed to any great degree, has been the quest for increased government expansion. Whether in taking over the automobile industry or in its quest to govern the health care of its citizens, this administration has made no excuses in expanding the government's role to record levels in American history. When it comes to government expansion, there is no more effective tool than that of war. James Madison, the author of our Constitution warned us against this danger. Read his prophetic pamphlet and the amazing accuracy with which it speaks today.