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.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

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

World War II Recognition

After visiting the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, and discovering the online recognition available for those who served through the registry, I felt compelled to share my family's contributions to that fight for world freedom.

The links below honor those family members:

My Father, Sid Welch, Major USAF, Retired

My Step-father, Ed Benham

Uncle Claude

Uncle Royce

Fortunately, none of them died in that conflict, though both Uncle Claude and Uncle Royce were recipients of the Purple Heart.

My father lost his life in an accident in 1971. My Step-dad and Uncle Royce died of natural causes in 2008 and 2000, respectively. Uncle Claude is still with us.

Photo From National World War II Memorial Website

Too often those of us in Main Street USA take for granted our freedom, not remembering what had to occur to bring about and keep those precious liberties we enjoy, including, but certainly not limited to, the great victory of our Founding Fathers and the Colonial Armies and brigades with the American Revolution, World War I and World War II.

Let us all keep in our minds and our hearts what those before us (and their families) have sacrificed, not just on Memorial Day, but each and every day as we give thanks.

Over For Now.

Main Street One

Reminders of Individual Freedom & Excessive Government

Most bad government has grown out of too much government.
Thomas Jefferson

President Reagan on Curbing Government


President Kennedy - Ask Not


Patrick Henry Speech to VA Convention


Public opinion sets bounds to every government, and is the real sovereign in every free one.
James Madison

Over For Now.

Main Street One