Main Street One
Showing posts with label Declaration of Independence. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Declaration of Independence. Show all posts
Monday, July 4, 2011
The Preamble of the Declaration of Indpendence
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
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Over For Now.
Main Street One
Main Street One
Does July 4th Still Stand for Freedom
For scores of years July 4th truly meant something and was a definite cause for celebration.
However, over the past several decades the personal freedoms and liberties Main Street USA was used to celebrating have been eroded.
No longer can it be said that is America is a government of the people, by the people, for the people (though that line does come from President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address).
Realistically, today our government is "of, for and by elected representatives" who care far too much about their own enhanced welfare (paid for in full "by the people").
When the states came together, when they became United, the vision of the Founding Fathers was in setting up a governing body unlike any that had been seen on Planet Earth. But as time marched on certain people saw a way to take advantage of, and pervert, the system.
Our Founding Fathers were learned men. They had read and studied about all manner of governments. They knew what made them good and what made them bad. However, the worst fears of these brave men slowly came to be.
As Thomas Jefferson pointed out, Most bad government has grown out of too much government. It cannot be denied, by any sane or rational person, that the United States has way too much government.
Patrick Henry, who led the charge to add the Bill of Rights, stated, The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.
Andrew Jackson added, The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power.
Perhaps James Madison summed up their worst fear with his insight, Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.
And thus it is that Americans have experienced those very dreaded gradual and silent encroachments by those in power, who have made politics a career where it was only supposed to be a "public service."
The concept of that service, as it had originally been envisioned, was that some citizens would give up a few years of their private sector life and "serve the people" only to return to their actual livelihood.
Never was it meant to be that politics become a career, especially one with lavish benefits at the expense of the taxpayer.
Conservative, moderate, and liberal politicians are all guilty of the erosion Americans have experienced. They have profited greatly at the expense of each and every citizen. They buy their votes filled with empty promises. They spend half their time campaigning for the next election to secure their lofty lifestyle.
There might not be a greater sin than to abuse the power entrusted to one.
Perhaps there are still those who truly believe in the ideals our Founding Fathers laid down without any thought of personal gain, operating without a secret, hidden agenda.
If there are, only then will America be able to rise once again. Not as a "global power" to dictate to other countries, but as a group of collective states who wish true freedom for all who reside within.
The closing line of the Declaration of Independence is, And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The men who signed that document did so and meant it.
Many gave their lives and lost their fortunes. They kept in tact their honor.
There is not a politician alive today who could match the honor and integrity of those 56 delegates of the Continental Congress of July 4, 1776.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
However, over the past several decades the personal freedoms and liberties Main Street USA was used to celebrating have been eroded.
No longer can it be said that is America is a government of the people, by the people, for the people (though that line does come from President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address).
Realistically, today our government is "of, for and by elected representatives" who care far too much about their own enhanced welfare (paid for in full "by the people").
When the states came together, when they became United, the vision of the Founding Fathers was in setting up a governing body unlike any that had been seen on Planet Earth. But as time marched on certain people saw a way to take advantage of, and pervert, the system.
Our Founding Fathers were learned men. They had read and studied about all manner of governments. They knew what made them good and what made them bad. However, the worst fears of these brave men slowly came to be.
As Thomas Jefferson pointed out, Most bad government has grown out of too much government. It cannot be denied, by any sane or rational person, that the United States has way too much government.
Patrick Henry, who led the charge to add the Bill of Rights, stated, The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it come to dominate our lives and interests.
Andrew Jackson added, The people are the government, administering it by their agents; they are the government, the sovereign power.
Perhaps James Madison summed up their worst fear with his insight, Since the general civilization of mankind, I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people, by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power, than by violent and sudden usurpations.
And thus it is that Americans have experienced those very dreaded gradual and silent encroachments by those in power, who have made politics a career where it was only supposed to be a "public service."
The concept of that service, as it had originally been envisioned, was that some citizens would give up a few years of their private sector life and "serve the people" only to return to their actual livelihood.
Never was it meant to be that politics become a career, especially one with lavish benefits at the expense of the taxpayer.
Conservative, moderate, and liberal politicians are all guilty of the erosion Americans have experienced. They have profited greatly at the expense of each and every citizen. They buy their votes filled with empty promises. They spend half their time campaigning for the next election to secure their lofty lifestyle.
There might not be a greater sin than to abuse the power entrusted to one.
Perhaps there are still those who truly believe in the ideals our Founding Fathers laid down without any thought of personal gain, operating without a secret, hidden agenda.
If there are, only then will America be able to rise once again. Not as a "global power" to dictate to other countries, but as a group of collective states who wish true freedom for all who reside within.
The closing line of the Declaration of Independence is, And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.
The men who signed that document did so and meant it.
Many gave their lives and lost their fortunes. They kept in tact their honor.
There is not a politician alive today who could match the honor and integrity of those 56 delegates of the Continental Congress of July 4, 1776.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Few cities in the United States have the history of the country so deeply entrenched.
Philadelphia's central location in the colonies made it a natural center for America's revolutionaries. The city played host to the First Continental Congress prior to the war, was the location of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence at the Second Continental Congress during the war and was the locale of the Constitutional Convention after the war. From 1790-1800 Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the nation while the Federal City was being constructed in the District of Columbia.
Here now is a very brief photographic tour within the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.
There is much more to the City of Brotherly Love than these few images and throughout the year more will be added to provide a personal view of the city.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Philadelphia's central location in the colonies made it a natural center for America's revolutionaries. The city played host to the First Continental Congress prior to the war, was the location of the signing of the United States Declaration of Independence at the Second Continental Congress during the war and was the locale of the Constitutional Convention after the war. From 1790-1800 Philadelphia served as the temporary capital of the nation while the Federal City was being constructed in the District of Columbia.
Here now is a very brief photographic tour within the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia.
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| Liberty Bell |
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| Declaration of Independence (enlarged) & Thomas Jefferson |
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| George Washington Monument |
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| Swann Memorial Fountain |
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| Benjamin Franklin - Craftsman |
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| General George McClellan & William Penn (top of building) |
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| Philadelphia Love |
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
To Usurp or not to Usurp, is that even a question
According to the Associated Press in a news item, "The federal lawsuit against Arizona's tough new immigration law focuses heavily on a question that has been in the spotlight repeatedly the past decade and dates back to the Founding Fathers: The right of the government to keep states from enacting laws that usurp federal authority."
It is hard to imagine where the federal government thinks it has such authority.
Those on Capitol Hill and in the White House would do well to re-study the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The States formed the federal government, called the United States of America.
The states gave the federal government certain rights.
Any rights not specifically granted the fed were reserved to the States and to the People.
As the 10th Amendement, Reserved Rights, states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
This is Civics 101, US History 101 and on and on. It is a basic within this free society.
Unfortunately, those in Washington DC seem to feel that the almighty federal government has limitless power to do as it wishes.
That is not the case.
Aside from the fact that the federal government does not have a case in suing the State of Arizona, this is a waste of taxpayer money.
Main Street USA will bear the burden of the costs of such a trial.
This senseless action by our elected officials shows that they are out of touch with reality...the reality of the United States of America and its Founding Fathers and the very documents that made this a free nation.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
It is hard to imagine where the federal government thinks it has such authority.
Those on Capitol Hill and in the White House would do well to re-study the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.
The States formed the federal government, called the United States of America.
The states gave the federal government certain rights.
Any rights not specifically granted the fed were reserved to the States and to the People.
As the 10th Amendement, Reserved Rights, states, "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
This is Civics 101, US History 101 and on and on. It is a basic within this free society.
Unfortunately, those in Washington DC seem to feel that the almighty federal government has limitless power to do as it wishes.
That is not the case.
Aside from the fact that the federal government does not have a case in suing the State of Arizona, this is a waste of taxpayer money.
Main Street USA will bear the burden of the costs of such a trial.
This senseless action by our elected officials shows that they are out of touch with reality...the reality of the United States of America and its Founding Fathers and the very documents that made this a free nation.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy Birthday, America! Politicians, Wake Up!
Two-hundred, thirty-four years ago, our Founding Fathers together signed a document declaring that a people are free to determine their government and that, in fact, government is only allowed by the will of the people.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
One very key ingredient in the quest for freedom was to break away from an oppressive government in order to establish one which derives its power from the people.
To wit: "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
The word consent was fittingly and justly utilized by these astute men.
Though not a perfect foundation, as women were not afforded these same rights and all men (people) were not treated as equals as some were, rather, still enslaved.
However, their perception of government was remarkable.
These very learned men knew, through study of history, what a government must and must not do and should and should not do in order to survive.
And so, these 13 individual states united together to establish and form a democracy giving only certain powers to the federal government while keeping anything not specifically granted it to the states and to the people.
As the decades progressed, however, the federal government has grown to the point that individual liberty and the rights of states and citizens have been eroded and become limited. That is exactly what they did not want and, in fact, warned against.
America is still a truly great nation.
However, it is a nation where the will of the people is not followed. It is one where special interest groups wield unusual power over decisions affecting every person living in Main Street USA. It is one where back room deals in the hallowed halls of Capitol Hill decide the most crucial of actions and where billions upon billions of dollars are added to legislation to capture votes.
If pork and earmarks are needed to garner the necessary number of votes in order to pass then must not the legislation be flawed?
The taxpaying citizens of these United States of America desire a "more perfect union," not a larger federal government where their voice is no longer heard.
In order to achieve this end our elected public servants (not public rulers as some have tried to become) would be wise to re-study the very documents that were written and are the foundation for this nation and to then act as statesmen, not as politicos whose main objective is to become re-elected.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."
One very key ingredient in the quest for freedom was to break away from an oppressive government in order to establish one which derives its power from the people.
To wit: "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."
The word consent was fittingly and justly utilized by these astute men.
Though not a perfect foundation, as women were not afforded these same rights and all men (people) were not treated as equals as some were, rather, still enslaved.
However, their perception of government was remarkable.
These very learned men knew, through study of history, what a government must and must not do and should and should not do in order to survive.
And so, these 13 individual states united together to establish and form a democracy giving only certain powers to the federal government while keeping anything not specifically granted it to the states and to the people.
As the decades progressed, however, the federal government has grown to the point that individual liberty and the rights of states and citizens have been eroded and become limited. That is exactly what they did not want and, in fact, warned against.
America is still a truly great nation.
However, it is a nation where the will of the people is not followed. It is one where special interest groups wield unusual power over decisions affecting every person living in Main Street USA. It is one where back room deals in the hallowed halls of Capitol Hill decide the most crucial of actions and where billions upon billions of dollars are added to legislation to capture votes.
If pork and earmarks are needed to garner the necessary number of votes in order to pass then must not the legislation be flawed?
The taxpaying citizens of these United States of America desire a "more perfect union," not a larger federal government where their voice is no longer heard.
In order to achieve this end our elected public servants (not public rulers as some have tried to become) would be wise to re-study the very documents that were written and are the foundation for this nation and to then act as statesmen, not as politicos whose main objective is to become re-elected.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Independence Day - Birth of a Nation
As America's Independence Day draws near it is an absolutely invigorating activity to visit Philadelphia, where there is so much rich and vivid history regarding the Birth of a Nation.
Within just a few blocks a person can wander and see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the home of Betsy Ross, and much much more.
Within the walls of the various centers are, of course, gift shops, where a plethora of history awaits anyone who wishes to discover what our Founding Fathers dreamed and envisioned for this nation.
Philadelphia, Birth of a Nation
One thing that all Americans should do is to re-read the Declaration of Independence at this time each year.
Below is the last paragraoh from that most valued written work, one that defines what these people were made of and what they most desired and, above all else, how they felt about their actions.
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
In this document, as well as the Constitution of the United States, it is well laid out that rights of the States and of personal liberties were absolute.
Politicians should well remember this as America has veered from its course.
And it must get back on track.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Within just a few blocks a person can wander and see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the National Constitution Center, the home of Betsy Ross, and much much more.
Within the walls of the various centers are, of course, gift shops, where a plethora of history awaits anyone who wishes to discover what our Founding Fathers dreamed and envisioned for this nation.
Philadelphia, Birth of a Nation
One thing that all Americans should do is to re-read the Declaration of Independence at this time each year.
Below is the last paragraoh from that most valued written work, one that defines what these people were made of and what they most desired and, above all else, how they felt about their actions.
"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."
Politicians should well remember this as America has veered from its course.
And it must get back on track.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Friday, April 30, 2010
15 Minutes for Independence & Our Anthem
For those of you who believe in this great country, as do I, please take the next 15 minutes of your time to watch and hear a great introduction to and reading of the Declaration of Independence, courtesy of constitutionlive.com.
Pay close attention to the reading and catch some of the original ideals, especially that of the power of the States:
Before we end, for your viewing and listening pleasure, here is Faith Hill singing our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
Pay close attention to the reading and catch some of the original ideals, especially that of the power of the States:
Before we end, for your viewing and listening pleasure, here is Faith Hill singing our National Anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
Over For Now.
Main Street One
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