PLEASANT HILL, JULY 4, 2018 – The celebrations on the Fourth of July are far more than the bar-b-que’s and the fireworks, and the family gathering. We celebrate the events leading up to July 4, 1776 through the signing of the Constitution on September 17, 1787.
The fight for self-governance started long before July 4, 1776. We tend to think of a divided populace now; but think of the start. The actual war of independence. The struggle to create a document like none before. The arguments, debates, and politic that took place as the thirteen colonies struggled to unite, to for a lasting government, and to fight a war on borrowed money, against a very experienced foe.
At the heart of independence is the argument that King George treated the colonies, and more importantly the colonists as serfs that work and toil to send more money to the Crown. Taxation without representation, the tea tax, and so many truly monumental issues kept separating those who left England and Europe for the freedom of a true frontier. They were mistaken, as England, France and Spain set up shop in the Americas and brought with them, the very things the colonists gambled their very lives to cross the ocean and start anew in America.
When you see the Rockets Red Glare tonight think of the Star-Spangled Banner. Let them, once again, give proof that our flag is still here. Give thought to the declaration of Independence, and that we are all endowed with certain unalienable rights, among which are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, and that we truly are all created equal!
The constitution does not promise equality, it does not promise happiness, it does not even promise success. All our constitution provides is the foundation of a level playing field. We have to pursue happiness. It is illusive and hard to find. We must fight for our liberty, because people who are truly free are dangerous. Minds that think freely, work hard and make things happen are hard to control; and government – any government – seeks to have power, and that power is exercised to control the people it governs.
Abraham Lincoln put it best, when describing our countries governance:
“…the great task remaining before us — that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion — that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain — that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom — and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
On this, the 242nd anniversary of the declaration of independence, find a moment to realize we are one country, one people, and that it is the dynamic of strong debate that keeps this country free from the tyranny of a King, or a Supreme ruler, whose sole intention it to exercise its personal power, to control our own lives and to limit our free-thinking minds, and the actions they inspire.
God Bless and may you be happy on this Fourth of July.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lee’s Summit Conservative
