Independence Day

As we celebrate Independence Day, the 237th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it's a good time keep in mind the words of that document.

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. (continued ...)

Our forefathers were pretty explicit. We have certain rights which are granted by our Creator. Government derives power from the consent of the governed. Despite these establishing words, there are those in this Country in power who wish to restrict, redefine, and even remove basic God-given rights from the free citizens of these United States — rights which are not the government's to give or to regulate. Under a false label of "freedom" they seek to restrict liberty and create a compliant, and dependant, population.

On this joyful anniversary of the birth of our Nation, take time to recall the struggles of those who went before us, and pray for our own victory over the evil that gathers against us now. Let us celebrate the independence of this still great Nation and enjoy good times with friends and family, good food and good beer too, but let us also not be lulled into compliance. Our God-given rights and freedoms are under a serious threat, unmatched in history, that won't be overcome by being complacent. We must continue to resist these attacks and preserve the gift of freedom we have enjoyed for 237 years.

"Occupants of public offices love power and are prone to abuse it."  --George Washington