“I am not a product of my circumstances, I am a product of my decisions.” -Stephen Covey
Month: September 2016
The Reason for Liberty
We’re comfortable, right? We each have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and entertainment ready for us 24/7. Why, then, do we care for liberty if we seem to have everything we need? Robert Green Ingersollsaid “What light is to the eyes – what air is to the lungs – what love is to the heart, liberty is to the soul.” Just as we need air to breathe, we as humans, cannot live up to our potential without liberty. It is essential. Liberty is what makes us human. The gift of freedom is nothing short of miraculous and is such a blessing when complete and total liberty is bestowed upon us. The people who fought for freedom before us treasured their liberty in every way possible. Patrick Henry famously declared, “Give me liberty or give me death.” He was not exaggerating when he said this. Many were willing and did give up their lives so freedom could overrule tyranny. The sacrifices made weren’t because they were being taxed too much, it is because their liberty was being threatened. Isn’t that amazing? The second someone overstepped their boundaries and threatened their peace, they did something about it. Benjamin Franklin said “Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” So when his freedom was being taken, he didn’t move to a different country, he took back what was rightfully his, along with so many other incredible people. Words cannot express my longing for liberty. I want to be able to feel it surround me, to be able to read the constitution and know that it is what is governing me. I, along with most of you, have not yet felt complete liberty encompassing me but that is my goal. I know, that eventually, I will feel freedom’s warm embrace because, as George Washington said, “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” Plant the seed so freedom will overcome the tyranny and we can enjoy the liberty we require as humans. Remember, liberty is not an option, it is a necessity, but whether we deserve it or not depends on if we will strive and work for it without giving in. “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”-John F. Kennedy
Publius
Break the Chains of Tyranny
“Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom.” -John Adams. Why is this? Why must our children know the principles of freedom? The answer is because if we don’t know what it means to be free then we can’t recognize when Liberty is being taken from us.
Don’t Be Afraid of the Crown
When accused of being traitorous against the crown, the founding fathers didn’t lie and plead its innocence. They were proud of the truth. They were doing the right thing and weren’t going to hide it because it was considered a crime. Today, we’re plagued by the fear of getting in trouble. Following the “law” may make you look good in the eyes of the public, but if you don’t stand up for what’s right, how do you look to the people that really matter? Following a corrupt law will only get you so far. As John Adams said “The laws of man may bind him in chains or may put him to death, but they can never make him wise, virtuous, or happy.” Our duty, is to be the ones who make the virtuous decisions. We can be those our founding fathers hoped we would be. We must stand up against the tyranny that binds us, and takes away more and more of our liberty every day. Don’t be afraid of what may happen, because whatever comes from defending liberty, is superior to living life as a slave.
Publius