Friday, July 3, 2009

What is Independence...


...the right to go to the beach, drink beer, eat hotdogs and have fireworks?? That is one result of it, but independence is more than that. This definition sums it up well....the state or quality of being independent; freedom from dependence; exemption from reliance on, or control by, others; self-subsistence or maintenance; direction of one's own affairs without interference.

I am saddened and concerned about the path our nation is taking - just kind of holding my breath and hoping for reprieve. It is amazing that 600+ elected officials can do what they are doing to millions of citizens and we elected them. As we prepare to celebrate our 233rd birthday, I have been reading some old quotes and writings of some of our founding fathers. A lot of sacrifice and spilled blood was given so that their children's children's children, etc. (we) could have liberty, freedom and independence. It seems that, collectively, we just want what we want now and the heck with anyone else, our children's children included. We have become complacent. And have you noticed that it is always someone else's fault and that the lack of accountability runs rampant. Our forefathers were patriots! Are we patriots? What is an American Patriot... one who loves and defends his or her country and Constitution and the rights of others! Not him or herself?? hmmm... Our forefathers said it best...

"When the people find they can vote themselves money,that will herald the end of the republic." Benjamin Franklin

"We have the right as individuals to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity; but as members of Congress we have no right to appropriate a dollar of the public money. " Davy Crockett

"That government is best which governs least." Thomas Paine

"Liberty cannot be preserved without general knowledge among the people." John Adams

“Experience hath shewn, that even under the best forms (of government) those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny”. Thomas Jefferson

"Give me liberty, or give me death". Patrick Henry

“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; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Thomas Jefferson

Hope y'all have a great Fourth of July celebration with your friends and family!

4 comments:

kana said...

Love your post and the fireworks photo. Hope you have a Happy 4th!!

Crochet Candy said...

Well said sweetie. God bless our country. Let's keep our leaders and our military in our prayers and pray that our nation turns around.

Cottage In The Sun said...

You have said so many things that I have thought, but can't put into words. Thank you for the reminders. Happy Independence Day!

littlethings1 said...

A great post ! Yes , I worry about our nation and all of the things that are going on also. I guess we need to pray ever so much more for our nation and leaders !
Eunice
The Little Things