Independence Day

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America 

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. …

Today we celebrate our Founding Fathers' foresight and bravery in declaring independence from an oppressive government. It's a truly American holiday, made possible by a well-armed citizenry. It is a reminder to those of us who stand by those principles enumerated in 1776 that we must continue to both celebrate and defend them.

Our forefathers were 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 who wish to restrict, redefine, and even remove basic God-given rights from the free citizens of these United States — rights which are neither the government's to give nor to regulate. The recognition of this is what gives government legitimacy. Failure to do so forfeits the right to govern.

Despite the freedom and blessings available to all citizens, those on the left endeavor to limit free speech and gun ownership. They impose limits on the open worship of God. They so fear our founding principles that even the sight of the American flag is offensive to them. We see daily reports how these lovers of tyranny are ever more frequently turning to violence in order to destroy the nation that was founded 243 years ago. With egregious attacks and lies, all while hiding behind masks, they seek to restrict liberty and create a compliant and submissive population.

They would do well to remember history.

Happy Independence Day!