Posted by Tina
Over the course of several decades the meaning and intent of our founding documents have been compromised. The value of the words for many of our fellow citizens have been lost, forgotten or worse, never learned. It’s important to revive our appreciation for these documents and thereby arm ourselves that we might restore and preserve the repubic for which our proud flag stands. Also on this special day it’s also important to reflect on the cost of freedom. I hope you will follow the links below and read these fine articles.
We still hold these truths – Washington DC Examiner Editorial
On this Independence Day, it is worth taking time away from fireworks and picnics to contemplate, and rejoice in, two key phrases from the Declaration that gave this day its name. And were not talking about all men being created equal or about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Those are worthy ideals, but they give no real-world prescriptions for free governance. Instead, the heart of the Declarations famed second paragraph comes right after those lofty sentiments. To secure these rights, the document states, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. *** The first key phrase is: To secure these rights. Note that the government does not give rights, but secures rights. The rights life and liberty among them pre-exist the government, just as they pre-exist the mention of government in the Declaration. Governments job is not to dispense rights like favors, but to secure and protect the rights to which mankind is entitled by the laws of nature and of natures God. Government is properly in the service of those rights, inferior to those rights, and has no reason for existence apart from preserving those rights.
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GW’s War, by Otis A. Glazebrook IV
Democratic republics never engage in war willingly. Wars are never popular for long. More often than not their wars are the result of a direct provocation or threat. ** Tyrannies, by contrast, wage war to obfuscate the misery of their exploited citizenry. *** So it was with GW’s War. *** War, by definition, is a large scale, expensive and violent conflict. Whereby two sides of the conflict spend their available resources killing people and breaking the civilian’s will to fight. It is never pretty. Although, the end result of a war can be glorious. ** There are times when Wars are justified and need to be waged. Someone needs to lead the nation and the military. *** So it was with GW’s War. *** About one third of the citizenry thought GW’s War needed to be waged, one third did not think the war was necessary and were in fact vehemently against it, the other third were indifferent to the whole concept. ** GW was a lousy speaker and had trouble rallying the citizenry. (you must read the article to get the full impact-its very good)
Hundreds of US troops in Iraq re-enlist for national day
BAGHDAD (AFP) – More than 1,200 US troops serving in Iraq signed up for extended service in the military to mark America’s national day on Friday. *** At least 1,215 troops re-enlisted for periods ranging from two to six years at the ceremony held at the spacious Al-Faw palace of executed dictator Saddam Hussein near Baghdad airport. *** General David Petraeus, the head of US-led coalition forces in Iraq, said he was “proud of their decision to re-enlist and help the people of Iraq win their most important battle … freedom.”
*PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!*
Reflection Day – These two truths should be self-evident, by Victor Davis Hanson
On this Fourth of July of our discontent with spiraling fuel prices, a sluggish economy, a weak dollar, mounting foreign and domestic debt, continuing costs in Iraq, a falling stock market, and a mortgage crisis we should remember two truths about America. First, the United States remains the most free and affluent country in the history of civilization. Second, almost all our problems are lapses of complacency, remain relatively easily correctable, and pale in comparison to past crises. *** By almost any barometer, the United States remains the most fortunate country in the world. We continue to be the primary destination of immigrants, who risk their lives to have a chance at what we take for granted. Few in contrast are flocking to China, Russia, or India. The catalyst for immigration is primarily a phenomenon of word of mouth, of comparative talking among friends and families about the reality of modern-day living, not of scholarly perusal of social or economic statistics
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Independence Day Every Day, by Ted Nugent Human Events
The Nugent family celebrates Independence Day every day of the year. If you spend as much time as we do sharing campfires, both literally and figuratively, with the hero warriors of the United States Military, you cant help but deeply appreciate and absolutely cherish the freedoms and liberties so unique here in America that is guaranteed us by the sacrifices made by these amazing, courageous men and women.