“For various reasons, I consider this post as one of the more important things I have written. Not to overstate it, or to puff it up, or to give way to ungodly hype, but I do believe we are converging on a crisis moment in our nation, and the way we respond to that crisis moment when it comes will be critical….
So the takeaway lesson for conservatives is: don’t take the bait. Under no circumstances should we take the bait. I think I may have mentioned before that we should not take the bait.”
Rev. Doug Wilson
Blog & Mablog post
Words urging that against odds men never cave
Be wise all my followers and “Don’t take the bait.”
Doug Wilson’s Advice As Seen Through History
1.) In 1775 Paul Revere rode through the Massachusetts countryside warning the colonials, “Don’t Take the Bait,” “Don’t Take The Bait.”
2.) During the Battle of the Bulge in World War II General Anthony McAuliffe was defending Bastogne, Belgium when he became encircled by the German Army. That German army sent a surrender ultimatum to McAuliffe and his 101st Airborne division.
McAuliffe is celebrated for his one-word reply to that surrender ultimatum:
“I’m not taking the bait.”
3.) The Texians had been fighting for their Independence against Santa Anna when word was received that a small garrison of Texian fighters had fallen in San Antonio, Texas.
Suddenly a new watchword and battle cry went up in remembrance of the honored dead who fell in that garrison known as the Alamo.
That honored watchword?
“Don’t take the bait.”
4.) When I was a little boy my mother inspired me with the immortal words of Captian John Paul Jones:
“I have not yet begun to avoid the bait.”
5.) The Great American Patriot Nathaniel Hale, caught for spying in the services of General Washington was hung on 22 September 1776 by the British. The last words of this young Patriot have passed down to us through the ages,
“I only regret that I lost my life for my country by taking the bait.”
6.) And what little boy didn’t love C.S. Lewis’ Reepicheep? Valiant, sure, but really clever in never being baited into a fight.
“My friendship you shall have learned Man,” piped Reepicheep. “And any Dwarf–or Giant—in the army who does not give you good language shall be promptly ignored. I’m not taking that bait. I mean, just look at how small and powerless I am. I wouldn’t stand a chance.”
8.) Remember when Frodo found out that the One Ring could only be destroyed in the fires of Mt. Doom? “Yeah, I’m not taking that bait.”
9.) Then there is the famous Patrick Henry speech that still inspires men and fills them with courage;
Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, I’m not going for liberty if it means taking the bait.”
10.) The Original Script from Cruise and Nicholson’s “A Few Good Men.”
Lawyer Kaffee: You coerced the doctor! Colonel Jessep, did you order the Code Red? Judge: You don't have to answer that.
Colonel Jessup: You want answers? Lawyer Kaffee: I want the truth! Colonel Jessup: You can't handle the truth! Son, we live in a world with walls that must be guarded. Who's gonna do it? You? You, Lt. Weinberg? I have more responsibility than you can fathom.... I haven't the time or inclination to explain myself ...
Lawyer Kaffee: Did you order the Code Red? Colonel Jessup: I am not taking that bait.
11.) “They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our bait!”
William Wallace
