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Independence Day for Whom?
The celebration of the Nation's birthday sometimes gets people confused. This day is much more than another holiday from work.
It is a recognition of who we are as a People. What it is not is a saint's day for a Government. When the Nation and the Government
are spoken in the same breath, most believe they are interchangeable. How mistaken and easily mislead, the public can become.
Yes, a revolution was fought to establish a Free Republic, but that was well over two centuries ago. Articles of
Confederation were formed to establish a working relationship among sovereign States. Later a Constitution was ratified that
placed specific, distinct and enumerated limitations on the authority to rule of a central government. Functions not named,
were left to the individual States. And finally, Bill of Rights Amendments were added and approved that codified guarantees
for the protection of the citizen from abuses of that newly created central government.
Up to this point, who would
not want to attend the party? Well, the theory is fine; but the acting out of the play, has caused the show to be canceled.
Why was the American Revolution fought? The reason was not originally accepted by the public that a new country was the purpose
for the conflict. Many sought to negotiate a settlement with the Crown and remain loyal Englishmen. Only a small band raised
the banner for self determination. Tories and neutrals were in the majority. Uncertainty prevailed with the gallows the reward
for failure. The motivation to dare all was for an idea, not a lust for power. Most of the rebellious vanguard were established
leaders and held authority within their circles. But they risked their sacred honor, more precious than their lives for the
sake of LIBERTY.
Out of this caldron of fire, the world witnessed the first attempt to create a society that could
be governed by principles of constitutional law, as opposed to EQUITY at the discretion of the magistrate. That was the 'shot
heard round the world'. Those first slugs at Concord bridge were the aftermath. This is the singular significance of the American
Revolution. It was born out of the eruption and the explosion that caused the demise of the old order.
So what
went wrong? For those who doubt that it has gone amiss, go off to your picnic or watch the tube. But for those who know in
their heart that the tyrant that was King George III, was a mild despot, compared to the federal apparatus in foggy bottom;
let us celebrate another anniversary. Our festivity will not recognize the central government as its legitimate steward, nor
will we invite agents within their employ. Honored guests will be restricted to those who understand the nature of the American
Experience and are willing to pledge their allegiance to that cause. Their Nation will profess the principles of universal
sovereignty of the individual and will require strict limitations and comprehensive accountability upon those who administrate
the public trust. Our gathering will bear the resemblance of our Founding Fathers home, for we are their posterity.
So when your neighbor invites you over to have a cup of English Gray, remember your ability to smell its aroma and sip
its flavor, is built upon the debris of tea casks from that Boston Harbor soiree. America is unequaled because its king is
the individual citizen. The sheriff serves the former serf, who is now a freeman. And the crown is worn on the head of every
man.
This ideal deserves a true celebration, even if the reality has fallen so short. Our task is to restore the
goal, and institute the means to make it genuine. If our Nation was created by men of honor, it can be reinstated with brothers
and sisters of similar courage and integrity. Are you one of this new breed that seeks LIBERTY? Or are you content on bowing
to a dictator of a depraved empire? We all must choose! Who's birthday will you celebrate . . . Your own as a 'son of liberty',
or a master who you continue to pay homage.
SARTRE - July 1, 2001
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