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and the pursuit of happiness, common sense, Constitutionn, election 2012, freedom, liberty, life, uniformity, uniqueness or equality
“[Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shows, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
John Adams
The COMMON SENSE of American Liberty
On this, my favorite day of American celebration, I was sitting on my front porch thinking about America. The beautiful American flag flies from the rafters beside the Gadsden flag, waving in the gentle summer breeze. I love this country, and I know many of you do, too, so the natural progression of my thoughts took me to why? Why do I love this country? Very quickly, the one word response arose: CHOICES.
Freedom means choices. It means you and I do not have to agree on everything to be friends or neighbors. We do not even have to agree on everything to verify the fact that we do, indeed, love this nation. In fact, it is our varied beliefs, races, religions, ethnicities, etc, that make us the richest nation on earth.
Where Has America Gone? My family was Presbyterian, sort of. I was actually baptized Methodist, confirmed Presbyterian, mentored by an Anglican priest in college and a Nazarene Bible teacher, befriended by Catholics, African Baptists, Unitarians, Jews, and atheists, and married by a Baptist Army Chaplain. This is America to me.

The initials over each segment represent the various states joining together to form one nation against the tyranny of King George III.
Published in 1776, COMMON SENSE challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The plain language that Paine used spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain. COMMON SENSE
Today, the struggle for Freedom continues. All Americans want Freedom. The discussion, then, is in the way that Freedom defines itself and plays out in our everyday lives. Now, as it has throughout history, there are two major visions of Freedom. One is based on a government sponsored definition of equality, a provision of utopian-like uniformity, an equal education for all, an equal provision of food, shelter, health care & fuel for all those living within America’s borders. In this instance, the government determines what an American is, what success is, what education is and who qualifies, and what is necessary to a successful “pursuit of happiness.” That is to say, the government determines what we each need, and then supplies it presumably better than we can tend our own needs. Are we all equal, or are we uniquely individual?
But is this not the same as a Government telling me how to live, how to pursue my own happiness, my own dreams? Is this not exactly what King George III and all other European tyrants did to their “peoples?”
Take the JULY 4TH 2012 QUIZand show
how start you really are!
The other voice resounds from the halls of the original Congress … It is a cry for “Individual Citizens’ Freedom.” It is a general rebellion against the tyranny of Europe, the rule of the political elite over the rest of the population, the ‘victimization’ of nearly half of the general population. It allows each man or woman to pursue their own strengths, dreams, and goals. It also allows the individual to fail, to learn from past mistakes, and try again. It allows one to soar in the heavens of accomplishment and reap the rewards, or reap the penalty of lethargy.
In BOTH cases, there is allowance for those genuinely limited by accident or birth. Various private or religious organizations exist for the purpose of tending the poor. It is barbaric and ignorant to suggest any human in America, let alone those in political office, intend harm on any individuals.
The great irony of our current political climate is that those who are crying for “increased equality” are, in fact, limiting it. I am comfortable with those of all or no faith, yet those of no faith are opposed to my freedom of worship. I am comfortable with those o differing political standings, but they will not tolerate my Conservatisim. I am comfortable with people of various races, ethnicities, or cultures, yet I’m railed against or being a “racist” by mainstream media! Seems to me like a radical case of the “pot calling the kettle black!” What we all USED to have in common were a simple universal code of decency, i.e. morality, and a respect for one another, our nation, and those who serve her in uniform (Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Coast Guard, First Responders, Nat’l Guard, & Reservists)
On this 4th of July, 2012, I am grateful for the different people, customs, and traditions I have had the privilege to experience. I know they have made me a wealthier person. I cherish my life, my liberties, and my right to pursue my own interests, dreams, and goals. I vow to continue to work toward the goal of making (and keeping) these liberties available to ALL American citizens for the next generation to maintain.
The CHOICE is yours and mine to make. Whether the individual rights and liberties of each American citizen outweigh the vision of the politically powerful elite to do what they believe is best for us all … that is what ELECTION 2012 is about. And where the Constitution fits in the overall scheme of things.
Wonderful
Thanks& Hope your holiday is positively memorable!
We are alive, breathing and still free. I don’t know how long we will be free, but I want to enjoy every last day of it.
Likewise!
Reblogged this on That Mr. G Guy's Blog and commented:
Great posting. Hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day.
I very much enjoyed this post, Barb. I contemplate the speech given by Patrick Henry on March 23, 1775, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death on this Independence Day. As you said, Americans are facing a choice in 2012: liberty or death.
“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, give me liberty or give me death!”
God bless and Happy Independence Day!
Exactly, Sam! So many misunderstand the issues. I had a church friend of mine ask me today why so many middle-class Americans were so stingy about helping those in need. I explained that it’s not those in genuine need that are the issue nor the middle class’ stinginess. It is 1. being FORCED to give to gov’t, not charity, and 2. career welfare clients – those able, but unwilling to work. … Alas, she does not get it!
You’re right! They just can’t get it! They miss the point entirely… You should direct your friend to the great economist Frederic Bastiat. In his book “The Law,” he states,
“Socialism, like the ancient ideas from which it springs, confuses the distinction between government and society. As a result of this, every time we object to a thing being done by government, the socialists conclude that we object to its being done
at all. We disapprove of state education. Then the socialists say that we are opposed to any education. We object to a state religion. Then the socialists say that we want no religion at all. We object to a state-enforced equality. Then they say that we are
against equality. And so on, and so on. It is as if the socialists were to accuse us of not wanting persons to eat because we do not want the state to raise grain.”
Another quote I have found to be most helpful in these sorts of discussions is by Penn Jillette (a prominent atheist if I may add): “It’s amazing to me how many people think that voting to have the government give poor people money is compassion. Helping poor and suffering people is compassion. Voting for our government to use guns to give money to help poor and suffering people is immoral self-righteous bullying laziness. People need to be fed, medicated, educated, clothed, and sheltered, and if we’re compassionate we’ll help them, but you get no moral credit for forcing other people to do what you think is right. There is great joy in helping people, but no joy in doing it at gunpoint.”
Exactly so! I have not heard that name since college … a hundred years ago! lol But yes, that is the confusion. I we do not want state-run healthcare, we want sick people to die. yada, yada, yada … Hopefully, enough people get it … Thanks for sharing!
If you don’t mind, this concept has been burrowing into me and I’d like to use your statement to build a piece around. OK? I will, of course, give you credit! 🙂
Of course! Thanks so much!