John Adams to his wife , with regard to the signing of the Declaration of Independence:"You will think me transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well 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 more than worth all the means, that posterity will triumph in that day's transaction, even though we should rue it, which I trust in God we shall not."
These men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. In signing the document they pledged their not insubstantial fortunes, their good name, their very lives. Yes, some survived to see the "rays of ravishing light and glory", while a few had their lives irretrievably lost or broken as a result of their actions.
Let us remember that our freedom was purchased with a very high price. Let us not forget there is still a fight within us. Even those of us that, for duties bound, must remain mostly silent, yet quietly toil to preserve those freedoms.
22 comments:
The thing is, Freedom isn't free.
That document, which engendered freedom so vast that it allowed a country to grow from 13 small colonies to become arguably the most powerful country in the world in 200 years, did not come without sacrifice by many of its signers.
Yet that sacrifice bore fruit that would make them proud. It attracted the best, brightest, and boldest of those emigrants who could come here, adding to the strength and productivity of this great nation.
We owe those men, those who pledged "their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor" so much, words cannot do the debt justice.
Those who believed that this could be a great nation, gave up most of what they had. Some gave everything including their lives.
I only pray that we who are here, now in this time, will prove to be worthy of that heritage.
I suspect that your seeming silence lies lightly over a fathomless, abiding love for the freedoms we have inherited, as well as a fierce determination to see them survive for our posterity.
You're not alone. WE are not alone.
Will the sacrifices be made again?
Noted the rebated cylinder, 44?
YeOldFurt
It is well worth remembering that at that time, spliiting from England was considered something that couldn't be done. But our forefathers did it. The "british" army was one that couldn't be beat, but we did it. Our founders knew all of this going in, understood the almost insurmountable difficulties ahead of them, but chose freedom anyway.
We're Americans, when we'eve had enough, get fed up, and decide to act, we can restore Freedom.
Very nice post indeed.
Sometimes you have to sacrifice to receive.
"Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make good use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven, that I ever took half the Pains to preserve it."
— John Adams
If you've never watched the HBO miniseries 'John Adams' you're truly missing something. It will move you to tears of joy... of pride and of sorrow. You'll learn much whether you intend to or not.
Bearing in mind what you said a few months ago about the most poignant and difficult posts that you make bringing in the fewest comments....
I think it's because what you say sometimes speaks so deeply that there is nothing to add, only a deep agreement.
My grandfather died in the cockpit of a bomber in WWII. My sister served in Iraq. Parts of my family have been here since the country became more than those original 13 colonies.
I think/fear that the time is coming when we will have to step up as our ancestors did or else our freedoms will be as dust.
Happy Constitution Day, Brigid. Never give up, never give in.
I've been reading the writings of many of the Founders recently. The single thing that struck me was that, universally, they were very pessimistic about their chances for success. Even with that possibility, they continued forward. Many of the Declaration's signers forebodings, came true for them personally. Many died. Died in poverty having lost all, family, friends and property to support the concept of Freedom.
Are there such today? Many affirm that, but I wonder, when it comes time to act---will they? The emergence of the Tea Parties, the 912'ers and others helps alleviate my concerns.
The sacrifices will be made again when needed.
We owe that to the ones who gave us that document.
Always gives me pleasure to read you, Brigid. I've been out of touch recently, moved everyone to Europe for a three-month project, but I think of you often, almost daily.
The American Revolutionary War of Independence was not an exercise in "the possible." A majority of Americans thought it was impossible to resist the King's Officers and win colonial freedom in 1776. The Declaration of Independence was an act of treason, punishable by death. Hit the books for a snap quiz. How many signers of the Declaration were put to death or imprisoned, their fortunes destroyed, their families punished? What was the total civilian economic price of freedom in 1776? How many years did we fight a Revolutionary War? How many were killed in battle because Thomas Paine correctly predicted victory and rightly demanded action?
Love that revolver, somthing like that is going to be on my firearms license app as the only few sort of real pistols we are allowed to own this side of the pond
Rev. Paul is correct.
WE are not alone!
I hope you guys realize what you have down there. I am sure that most readers of Brigid's know that they have something truly rare in todays world and that is a country to be proud of. Half of your compatriots though, want to be like the rest of the world. The United States is something truly unique and you guys are in great danger of losing that.
regards
Dan
March 4, 1789, the government under the Constitution began operations. 1776 to 1789 - Talk about a long and hard fought journey. I hope it doesn't take that much time to straighten things out this time around. Heck, I hope we CAN straighten things out this time around.
Marlowe said, "The Declaration of Independence was an act of treason, punishable by death." Therin lies the rub for our current situation. The British viewed noncompliance with their edicts treasonous. The Founders viewed noncompliance as a right based on self determination. The colonies were subject to British rule and law as we are now bound to our own current rule of law. It takes 3 things to justify usurping the overseer's version of rule of law. 1. A corrupt overseer ignoring the basis of the rule of law. (U.S. Constitution in our case) 2. A non-corrupt citizenry who place full faith in the basis for the rule of law. (U.S. Constitution) 3. A willingness of the non-corrupt citzenry to kill or be killed defending the basis for the rule of law. (U.S. Constitution) Everything else is politics. I believe that on many fronts, condition #1 is being met. I believe that the light of truth is awakening condition #2. Condition #3 has always been woven into the fabric of America. Not just the all volunteer U.S. military and law enforcement, but a well armed, well informed, responsible civilian backbone as well. Seek the truth. steve
M'Lady Brigid, wonderful post,as always, though that not to be taken lightly.
Three thoughts,
1. History repeats itself... there is nothing new under the sun. We pray this won't turn into another civil war.
2. The grass always looks greener on the other side of the fence... (or pond.)
3. Indeed, GOD IS on our side! He didn't bring us out to let the U.S. go back again, He brought the U.S. out to lead us into the Promised Land! AMEN!
There is a deep seated reason why I so very much "Love" my Pit Bulldawg's.
It is because quite simply the: Courage,Honor,Determination,Loyalty and Dignity which the dog possesses.
I have other breed's in my pack (17 animals total) Plott Hound, Catahoula and a myriad of mixed breeds.
They all are very much pampered, and I do need the variety for their specialties, ie: Scenter's, Striker's, Trailers and Sight specialist's that can run like the wind (which a Bulldawg cannot) and bravely hold at bay a fast,fierce and dangerous Wild Boar.
But the Bulldawg which will courageously jump right into the middle of that frenetic, and chaotic foray.
And then singularly by his own sheer strength and determination will physically subdue the ferocious, and dangerous beast.
Well, lets just say without any ambiguity, they have saved my arse a million times and hold a very special place within my heart.
I would like to believe that when the brass tack's are finally thrown down that I will display at least one half of that:
Courage,Honor,Determination,Loyalty and Dignity!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank those who work anonymously behind the scenes, not seeking glory or adulation, just the satisfaction of a job well done.
And as far as present day America is concerned, I'm not so sure we're worthy inheritors of what was provided for us. The great sacrifices of the many generations before us are all too often taken for granted.
Our Freedom came at a high price, unfortunately we gave most of it away and now it will cost a great price if we are ever to reclaim it.
Its very sad for me these days to see how things are going. Brigid you give me a little hope, thanks.
Privation will be the anvil on which we will be forged.
The imminent economic collapse is calculated to bring forth a host who will cry out to the Government "save me,save me", so the full Marxist plan can be initiated.
But this presumes the newly destitute will respond in the way the "entitled" classes have been taught to respond- dependency. The middle class workers reaction may be outside thier playbook. We may indeed revert to JFK's famous saying, and ask what we can do for our country.
As an aside, it is remarkable how throughly that quote has been inverted by the political descendents of the originator. The mantra of the Democratic party is asking what the Government can do for you......or to you.....
Brigid,
How do you things things would play out if this happened today? I question whether or not our leaders would go to the same lengths to product our freedoms.
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