Free In Idaho!

Declaration of the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, July 6, 1775

We are reduced to the alternative of chusing an unconditional submission to the tyranny of irritated ministers, or resistance by force. — The latter is our choice. — We have counted the cost of this contest, and find nothing so dreadful as voluntary slavery. — Honour, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them, if we basely entail hereditary bondage upon them.

Our cause is just. Our union is perfect. Our internal resources are great, and, if necessary, foreign assistance is undoubtedly attainable. — We gratefully acknowledge, as signal instances of the Divine favour towards us, that his Providence would not permit us to be called into this severe controversy, until we were grown up to our present strength, had been previously exercised in warlike operation, and possessed of the means of defending ourselves. With hearts fortified with these animating reflections, we most solemnly, before God and the world, declare, that, exerting the utmost energy of those powers, which our beneficent Creator hath graciously bestowed upon us, the arms we have been compelled by our enemies to assume, we will, in defiance of every hazard, with unabating firmness and perseverence, employ for the preservation of our liberties; being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather thanto live slaves.

Would there were more who felt so today, unwilling to submit to the “voluntary slavery” of politicians seeking to control every aspect of of our lives, to control every dollar we make or spend, and to control every action, every thought and word. Would there were more who were unwilling to stand by and eat brats, drink beer, light a few sparklers, and give meer lip service to the words “freedom” and “patriotism”, all the while bitching about the government not doing enough to fix their problems.  And that’s the problem, isn’t it?

Being a citizen is more than being a member of the largest public welfare system on earth, being a patriot is more than a flag pin on your lapel or the right bumper sticker on your car.  And being free is more than just being in agreement with a few Founders’ quotes.  Do you live free?   Really?  When you say “liberty” do you know what it means?  Do you know what it costs?  Do know know what others paid so that you might hold it?  Will you be there when the next payment is due?

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

Today is a great day, not just for the history but for the reminder that we still have that choice to make, and we’re called to make it, and guard it, every day.  What choice do YOU make?

Happy Fourth of July. Be free!