Liberty. Freedom. Self-determination. Justice for all. Government of the people, by the people, and for the people. These and other political innovations were born as America became a nation. Never before in mankind’s long and terrible history was every citizen ascribed inalienable rights. Never had citizens of any country been protected by a Bill of Rights, guarantees secured by blood and a determination that the excesses of tyranny should not stand in America.
Rightly do we pause each July 4th to again marvel at the work of our Founders. To this day the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America are unequalled repositories of freedom. Indeed, their soaring yet concise words contain the last, best hope of mankind: individual liberty. Unheard of opportunity, dignity, hope, and promise has been enjoyed by millions of native-born and immigrant alike. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison et al set in motion more than perhaps they knew, a world-wide beacon beckoning to those who longed to be free.
America has spread freedom far beyond her shores. Countries owing their very existence to America include all the countries of the former Soviet Union, all of Europe, Great Britain, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, New Guinea, Israel and more – enormous swathes of humanity saved from dictatorial monsters by American moral fiber, political resolve, and military might. Dozens of other countries have adopted America’s core values, grasping the inestimable value of independent self-government. Democracy is indeed on the march around the world, thanks almost entirely to America.
The last two countries liberated from despotism by America are Afghanistan and Iraq, where, for the first time, 50 million souls have a chance to be free.
As long as Americans adhere to the principles of freedom and responsibility, postulates etched onto paper and into the American psyche a scant 200+ years ago, we will survive and prosper. The 20th Century has been called the American century and, since it’s always morning in America, there is no good reason why the 21st won’t be even better. Let us then brace ourselves to our duty, and so conduct our affairs that the flame of liberty will burn ever brighter in this brave new age. We are, after all, the recipients of great blessing, inheriting as we have a most sacred trust. Onward and upward then, ever mindful of our glorious past and never cowering from the challenges that lay ahead. Together, we and freedom-lovers the world over will continue to secure liberty for ourselves and our posterity.
May God bless America.
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Posted by Jerry Pomeroy in Holiday Musings, Video