July Fourth, What Does It Mean To You?
Posted on July 4, 2007
Filed Under Politics |
“The issue today is the same as it has been throughout all history, whether man shall be allowed to govern himself or be ruled by a small elite.” - Thomas Jefferson
Independence Day, July 4th, to so many in this country it is just another day off from work. A day to fire up the bbq, drink some beer watch and perhaps set off some fireworks.
But, I wonder how many really think about what this day really means?
Sure, everyone thinks breaking away from England and forming our own republic was a good idea now. But, at that time less than 30% of the population supported the actions of the Founding Fathers.
Less than 30%!
Yet, the 56 signers of Declaration of Independence weren’t interested in public opinion. They stood up and did what they thought was right. Not because they thought it make them popular, few people know the names of the signers other than John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Ben Franklin. They didn’t do it because they had political aspirations, only two later became President of the United States. They didn’t do it because it would bring them fortune, in fact most of them suffered for their actions. So, what drove them to pledge their fortunes, lives, liberty and sacred honor to band together and break the bonds between England and her colony?
It was the right thing to do.
So, as we enjoy our times with our family and friends today, we should think about what this day really means. Because it is really a day when we honor 56 men who were willing to the right thing, even though it was unpopular and even though it was riskier and even though they probably would not see the results.
Today is the day we honor the 56 men who made it possible for this country to be born. Some would argue they were just the ones who were there at the time and whoever the 56 had been at the time it would’ve been the same. But, they are wrong.
The language of the Declaration of Independence is strong and forceful and carries an implied power because of Thomas Jefferson. But, he didn’t want to write it, John Adams wanted to be the author and many of his ideals made it into the document but Adams was not as good at putting together forceful, logical written arguments as others of his day. He had passion, no doubt about that but Jefferson had the patience to mold that passion into prose. Benjamin Franklin was the one who pushed the members to allow Jefferson to write the Declaration and then Jefferson to actually write it. Jefferson thought there were others who should write it and was willing to let the author be Adams. So, no, it was not just the luck of the draw that gave the world the Declaration of Independence.
When it was presented to the group, of course discussion ensued and many wanted to adjust the language so it was not so confrontational to the King. But, bi-partisanism did not win that day and we are here because it didn’t.
It was the Declaration of Independence being posted in town squares and courthouse doors across the colonies that caused militia men to meet the call.
Yes, this is a monumental day and while most signatures weren’t placed on the Declaration on July 4th, it is the day it was adopted by the Continental Congress and entered into the minutes as such.
This is the day we separated from England and set on a course to create a republic in 1787.
God help us all if we ever really become a democracy.
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This is a great reminder of the sacrifice we must all make not be controlled by the opinions of those energy vampires that try to rule our lives.
Stand tough and don’t bow. Celebrate by blowing some stuff up today!
What does Freedom mean to me?
Freedom meant that:
I chose to be “normal” and not fall into stereotyping myself as a “handicap” person.
I chose to be a kind yet independent woman.
I chose to be a career woman.
I chose to become be married and have family in my late 30’s.
For my children’s benefits, I chose to retire early to be a stay at home mom.
Most important of all, I got to choose who I am and what I am.
All because of those brave 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independent. The same 56 men who later paid dearly for it.
WIthout those 56 men, I and quite possibly, ALL of the people within USA would not be here today……
Today, it’s our new generation’s turn to taste the Freedom. The choice to learn to have self-respect and be proud of oneself.