Liberty

[NickLukeandEmma]

The more I listen to on the news, the more I read about events leading up to the American Revolution and all that the patriots that founded this country stands for the more uneasy I become.

Here are some of the events that led up to the American Revolution against the British in the late 1700's:

In 1764, the British passed the Sugar Act, the first law aimed strictly at raising American money for the Crown, increasing the duties on merchandise imported into the Colonies that was not of British origin.  This was followed by the Currency Act.  This law barred the Colonies from printing their own currency, arousing the ire of many Americans. 

The Colonists, naturally, objected to these acts.  At a town meeting in Massachusetts, taxation without representation was cried out against and co-operative protest throughout the Colonies was suggested. Non-importation, or declining to accept merchandise imported from Britain, became the protest of choice in the Colonies.  

But on March 24, 1765, the British subsequently renewed the Colonists fury by passing the Quartering and Stamp Acts.  The Quartering Act of 1765 obligated the Colonies to provide lodging and supplies for British soldiers.   

Also established was the Stamp Act, the first direct levy on the Colonies and passed to generate funds for the British.  Newspapers, almanacs, pamphlets, broadsides, legal documents, dice, and playing cards were taxed by this act.  Stamps, issued by the British, were attached to the taxed items to indicate that the tax had been paid.  (http://www.americanrevolution.com/EventsLeadingTo.htm)

There are a couple key differences between now and then. Chiefly the British were the ones doing the taxing and trying to take away any choice the colonists had in financial matters. Now it is our own government.

Health care for all, taxing the rich more, are just two of the "plans" that are being bandied about in our government. Apparently we are not smart enough to make our own decisions anymore so the government has decided, without giving a thought to our constitutional rights, they know what is best for us. Including challenging the American citizens right to bear arms.

so·cial·ism 

Pronunciation:

\ˈsō-shə-ˌli-zəm\

Function:

noun

Date:

1837

1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods

2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state

3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

 

The great country of America which was founded upon the ideals of the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Liberty is being free from undue and unjust governmental control and the right to engage in things without interference. These things are guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. Our founding fathers also stressed the pursuit of happiness. People need to pursue their own happiness not expect governmental handouts. The country was not founded on the principles of Robin Hood. Steal from the rich, give to the poor.

 

Some of the greatest men every to grace the blessed land of America thought these the greatest issues of importance on which to found a country. Just because America is in a recession people want to throw out the ideals that we shoud all be clinging to. Now is not the time to panic and question the men who gave up all to make this country into what it is.

"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both." Benjamin Franklin

"Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity swear by the blood of the Revolution never to violate in the least particular the laws of the country, and never to tolerate their violation by others. As the patriots of 1776 did to support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and laws let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor. Let every man remember that to violate the law is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the charter of his children’s liberty. Let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges, let it be written in primers, in spelling books and in almanacs, let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation, and, in particular, a reverence for the Constitution." ~ Abraham Lincoln

Let us not get to the point where our husbands, wives, sons, daughters, and friends have to give the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the future of liberty in America.

There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death! Patrick Henry

We do have a choice besides war. We do not have to let it go that far. We are guaranteed rights and we must fight to keep them before it comes down to Patrick Henry's famous quote:

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

[NickLukeandEmma]

Apr. 21, 2009 at 12:13 AM

Blech. The font wont cooperate and change color. Oh well. Sorry it is so disjointed looking.

(Original Poster)

[mogencreative]

Apr. 21, 2009 at 4:37 PM I think we have a choice besides war, another Reagan era style tax cuts would do the trick, and 2010 is just around the corner.

[NickLukeandEmma]

Apr. 21, 2009 at 4:43 PM

Oh I most definately agree. I just hope the American people do not let it get to that point. Is it bad to admit that I don't really remember the Reagan era. But my dad speaks about it very fondly.

(Original Poster)

[mogencreative]

Apr. 21, 2009 at 6:25 PM No worry, I was only 6 when he was done being president. I had to go back and learn about it from other sources than my liberal history teachers ;)

Anyway, I read some good news today - a city in Road Island was getting ready to pass some major tax hikes, but changed their mind after a tea party.

[mogencreative]

Apr. 21, 2009 at 6:26 PM BTW - I'm only now, going back and learning about the revolutionary era (more than the basics I got from my teachers). It is really amazing stuff - thanks for sharing all that in your journal.

[NickLukeandEmma]

Apr. 21, 2009 at 6:38 PM

Oh no problem. I taught American history so lol. I am a nerd. My family tells me it all the time. One thing I know is times like these will really show what Americans are made of.

(Original Poster)