"Pray About it"
Jonathan McColumn
BRIGADIER GENERAL (RETIRED), U.S. ARMY / CLERGY / ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR / CONSULTANT
I was born in Macon, Georgia and grew up in Warner Robins, Georgia. I am a Christian as I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior. A graduate of Northside High School, with matriculation and completion of Georgia Military College and Georgia College & State University, I went on to serve in the military. After 31 years of Active Federal Service in the most powerful team in the world, the U.S. Army, I retired while concurrently serving as a Minister/Clergy for more than 25 years, and an Adjunct Instructor at Phoenix University for a short period of time.
My Perspective
I support the direction in which the current administration continues to lead our nation. One nation under God is consistent with our Founding Fathers’ intent, in spite of the issue of slavery (which was corrected by the 13th Amendment to the Constitution); may God bless America! That God established that they are male and female and He is the giver of life at conception. Thus, God and science attests to humanness consisting of male and female genders – only.
Parental involvement is critical at every juncture in rearing their own children; the state must welcome that long held tradition.
Our nation is secured by our own sovereign borders; it is our right to secure it through an effective National Security policy. Many want to enter the US – I don’t blame them; do it the right way (legally). Anybody crossing our border without vetting does so illegally. Equal opportunity, underscored by meritocracy is the highlight of fairness in every field of human endeavor. The rule of law is necessary to co-exist; without it, anarchy would reign.
While we enjoy prosperity and wealth, our current National debt will undermine a credible future; we must fix it. A strong, volunteer military is critical to safeguarding our beliefs with the continuum, “the US is a force for good” throughout the world with US blood and money sprinkled throughout the globe. Often, the US Government is revered as the sole solution to resource our holistic needs; may I suggest the combination of private, public partnerships as additional and viable solutions to satisfy our needs. LEADERSHIP is the impetus that makes these perspectives a reality.
OCTOBER 10, 2025
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN – FISCAL YEAR 2026
SENATOR JON OSSOFF SUPPORTS THE SHUTDOWN
It is very unfortunate that the United States is undergoing yet another government shut down, this time done so by the Democratic Party. My contention of fractured leadership is quite apparent under these circumstances. Georgia’s two Senators have decided to vote “No” on opening the government thereby denying a Continuing Resolution, making way for discussions between Senators; the House of Representatives has already voted to keep the Government open. I will continue to opine the need for Executive/Strategic level Leadership (past performance with extraordinary experience) as a prerequisite for U.S. Senate. Leaders with these qualities tend to understand the hardships endured by, in this case, Georgians as a result of keeping the Government closed (unfunded) for Fiscal Year 2026.
The purpose of the Government is to work toward the will of the people who sent them, not of their own selfish motives. Assuming Senators desire certain policies, holding the government hostage is irresponsible under the circumstances and debilitating to the citizens of Georgia. The Senator’s role is to remove the government from the back of the citizens, not holding the citizens hostage because certain Senators can’t have their way. In effect, Senator Ossoff and others have decided to “take their marbles and proceed home” because they can’t have their way. This is highly unlike the Servant Leader, who’s focus is on the people.
As a result of Democrat Senators’ action, such as Senator Osoff’s “No” vote, federal employees are furloughed, today. In addition, we are experiencing delays in government services and air travel, disruption in public programs and social services. In addition, recreational areas, such as national parks are closed. The Democratic Party, with the exception of 3 Senators, have deemed it more appropriate to make unreasonable demands while spinning the reasons for keeping the Government closed. It is well within my contention, that these Senators don’t understand the greatness in America and how to sustain its efforts for greatness. Let’s look at the implications:
- Approximately 750,000 federal employees are susceptible to unpaid leave
- Essential workers will continue, however, without pay; federal employees will not receive paychecks until the Democrat Senators end this shutdown (impacting financial stability)
- Veterans Healthcare Centers are operational, but other services minimized
- Contractors may or may not receive backpay, depending on how and when contracts were written (impacting financial stability)
- National Parks – Disrupted
- Travel Delays – Air traffic control/TSA
- Travel Industry will lose billions per week
The consequences of this shutdown are far reaching. It is unfortunate that Senator Ossoff does not understand these consequences. When reviewing his past performance, I somewhat understand his impetus as he has never had Executive Level experience prior to becoming a Senator, thus, his lack of Leadership is clearly on display.
Jonathan J. McColumn