Let us remember that this day symbolizes a declaration of Independence not the the independence itself. In 1776, the United States declared our independence from the oppressive forces of the British government. The Americans living in that day 245 years ago still had to fight for that independence for 7 years and winning was by no means guaranteed as they were fighting the greatest military power in the world at the time.
Let us remember that Declaration stated that “All men are created equal” – Created by God.
Let us remember that all men have received from their creator certain inalienable rights. They cannot be taken away by any government or society or neighbors. God is the author of liberty.
They are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
–Life seems obvious but to the unborn, they are often not granted this. Life means that no one may take a life except in self defense of their own or others.
–Liberty means individual sovereignty over our bodies, our labor, our earnings and our property.
–Pursuit of happiness includes doing no harm to others as they pursue happiness as they define it for themselves.
To these ends the 57 signers of the Declaration pledged their “lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.” Many were called upon to carry out their pledge with their lives and their fortunes.
What will you pledge? Will you speak up for liberty knowing what it means? Will you move your address to a place where it makes a real difference? Will you pledge some of your money or time to support candidates for liberty? Will you give up your sword of authoritarianism that seeks to control others and let others live free?
“The price of liberty is eternal vigilance.”
“The Tree of Liberty must sometimes be watered by the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
– Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the US