EcoWatch: July 4th is more than fireworks and hot dogs
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, that to secure these rights governments are instituted among men.”
Thomas Jefferson, a spokesman for democracy, was an American Founding Father, the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States. 1801-1809
Recently, I received my copy of my favorite magazines for July and August and was perusing the contents. I was disappointed to see that there were no relevant stories or articles pertaining to the 4th of July holiday, Declaration of Independence Day. The articles that were offered were “The Best Drink in Every State,” with a description of every favorite drink in the USA. Really? No story of the special day. Then I received another popular magazine that had zilch about the disappearing 4th of July celebrations. I am sure some of our forefathers may be rolling in their hallowed resting places. The question is, why were comments on the special day missing? It seems more and more news releases and stories are walking the line to avoid any confrontations.
It is also apparent that there are news blackouts on real news, and the ongoing wiping out of our country’s history is being replaced by new renditions of history. Why this mini rant? Well, it seems that in the past three years, or maybe longer, there has been a host of negative comments about America and the escalating hostile acts against her. Many seek to change our laws, our flag, our way of life, and our religions. Every day there are incidents that reflect the uneasiness in our great country. The sacrifices that were made by our forefathers are now silent, and the only messages out there are all the special sales of the day.
Let’s take a look at what our forefathers have to say about Declaration Day: “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as a great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp, and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.”
“You will think me transported with Enthusiasm, but I am not. I am aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom, I can see the Rays of Ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is worth more than all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Day’s Transaction, even although We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”
John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence, and 2nd President of the United States, wrote the above in Letters to his wife Abigail Adams, 3 July 1776, “Had a Declaration …” (Some misspelled words and capitals in his historical letter were left as he wrote them).
This document is the cornerstone of the foundation of this Republic, and it is being chiseled away every day. Following the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution was created as a foundation for this Republic to cohesively bind this society to the rule of law to stop this country from becoming a tyrannically controlled government ever again. Later, the Bill of Rights was created to give the common individual citizens rights and protection under written law. The Bill of Rights, Amendment 1, has been the one that has been kicked around, discussed, and challenged, even though it states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Below are some of my favorite quotes on liberty:
• “Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freedom of speech. Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom and no such thing as public liberty.”
Cato, 234 B.C., Roman Senator.
• “We in America do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate. All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.”
Thomas Jefferson
It is interesting to note that these documents, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, were laws that are set to be unbroken. When any of these are broken, society will break down with them.
Right now, in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a bill that deletes climate change from state law. This will erase most references to climate change from state law. The law will take effect July 1.
For any readers who may be interested in America’s future restrictions, if freedoms are lost, just read the books “1984” by George Orwell or “Soylent Green” by Harry Harrison, or view the movie classic released in 1973.
Lastly, words from the past: John Adams asks of all of us this 4th of July Declaration of Independence Day the following:
“You will never know how much It has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.”
John Adams, signer of the Declaration of Independence
Hopefully, we will heed his words. God Bless America.
email: gaiasvigil@gmail.com
