America is celebrating her 236th birthday! Our unprecedented freedom was the result of specific ideas, many of which were drawn directly from the Bible. In fact, at the 150th anniversary celebration of the Declaration of Independence, President Calvin Coolidge affirmed:
"No one can examine this record and escape the conclusion that in the great outline of its principles the Declaration was the result of the religious teachings of the preceding period… They are found in the texts, the sermons, and the writings of the early colonial clergy who were earnestly undertaking to instruct their congregations in the great mystery of how to live…Placing every man on a plane where he acknowledged no superiors, where no one possessed any right to rule over him, he must inevitably choose his own rulers through a system of self-government."
On the 200th anniversary, President Gerald Ford also affirmed its Biblical roots:
"Our Bicentennial is the happy birthday of all fifty States, a commonwealth, and self-governing territories. It is not just a celebration for the original Thirteen Colonies…The earliest English settlers carried the Bible and Blackstone’s Commentary…[and] American families in prairie schooners like these took with them on the overland trails the principles of equality and the God-given rights of the Declaration of Independence. As we celebrate our 236th birthday, let’s make sure we preserve our memory of these unique governing principles."
Here are three simple things you and your family can do:
CONTINUED: http://wilsonncteaparty.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/happy-birthday-america/
Showing posts with label Fourth of July. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fourth of July. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
The People’s Right to Choose and Change Government
Lloyd Phillips, TheOakInitiative.org.
July 4, 2012
The Declaration of Independence was a magnificent presentation of the grievances of the American Colonies against an overreaching and overbearing government. It also laid out in spectacular wording for the first time the basic principles of freedom and liberty.
The preamble says in part “…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 affect their Safety and Happiness.”
Later, when our forefathers created the U.S. Constitution, they referred to these principles in the opening line, which is “We the People of the United States . . . do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Understanding the principles set forth in The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution they provided had within it the means by which the people could change, alter, and amend the Constitution as they saw the need. In fact, in order to get the document passed by the two-thirds majority of states required to adopt the Constitution, the Federalists had to promise the Anti-Federalists that they would immediately amend a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Without this promise, it is doubtful that the Constitution would have ever received the votes necessary to become the law of the land. These first ten amendments are our cherished “Bill of Rights.”
All state constitutions within the United States likewise present, for legal purposes, how the government will function and the limits on that government. Constitutions are enacted to limit the powers of government; laws are enacted to direct the actions of people. Each state constitution contains within it the means by which the people of that state may amend their constitution. The idea that constitutions are “living documents” rather than a legal document stems from Europe; it is based on the idea of “rule of men” rather than “rule of law.”
Every successful businessman knows that without clear and firm laws that can be counted upon, it would be impossible to conduct successful business. If the laws to do business were subject to the whim of a judge or magistrate, it would not be possible to make clear plans and investments, and therefore, the businesses and economy would suffer. This system always leads to corruption, confusion, and the advancement of poverty rather than the increase of prosperity for the majority of people. Our system is a legal system, not an evolving so-called “living” system based upon the whims and biases of judges and magistrates.
However, we are experiencing dangerous encroachments upon the rights of the people and their right to self government, including the right to choose their own form of governance and the ability to amend or abolish such laws and government.
The most dangerous threat against all Americans is currently in play in the State of California over the right to define marriage and dictate what the Government may and may not do to the people of that state. The people of California seem to know instinctively the dangers of redefining and destroying traditional marriage. They also know that they have the right, according to their constitution and the U.S. Constitution, to change laws and amend their constitution. In short, they know they have the right to choose their own government—or do they?
A short review of events is in order. In the year 2000, California voters overwhelmingly approved (61% of the voters to 39%) the passage of Proposition 22, which defined legal marriage in the State of California as between one man and one woman. This was done in response to judicial activism which was, and is, currently promoting marriage as between two people regardless of gender. While this strong showing of the electorate surprised many, it meant nothing to the courts of California who overruled the change to the California Family Code saying it was unconstitutional.
So the good citizens of California complied with the ruling of the courts and passed an amendment to their constitution through the passage of Proposition 8 in 2008. This amended the California Constitution to read “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This also passed by a strong margin of the electorate. However, in a double jeopardy ruling, United States District Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker overturned the amendment on grounds that it would be unconstitutional with a scathing anti-Christian rant as a ruling. His ruling has been upheld by a Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel. The panel also affirmed that they believed Judge Walker was not obligated to recuse himself from the case because he is a practicing homosexual. This decision is being appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Supreme Court case Marbury vs. Madison (1803) is considered by many jurists and legal scholars to be the most important ruling ever from the U.S. Supreme Court. In part, the ruling stated, “That the people have an original right to establish, for their future government, such principles as, in their opinion, shall most conduce to their own happiness, is the basis, on which the whole American fabric has been erected . . . The principles, therefore, so established, are deemed fundamental.
And as the authority, from which they proceed, is supreme . . . they are designed to be permanent . . . The powers of the legislature are defined, and limited; and that those limits may not be mistaken, or forgotten, the constitution is written.”
To sum it up, due to concern over judicial activism, the citizens of California acted to clarify for their state that marriage is between one man and one woman. Once legally placed into the family code, it was ruled unconstitutional by activist judges. Therefore, the citizens of California amended their constitution to constitutionally define marriage as between one man and one woman. This amendment to their constitution has now also been ruled unconstitutional. Is there any irony in a ruling that says an amendment to a constitution is unconstitutional?
CONTINUED: http://wilsonncteaparty.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/the-peoples-right-to-choose-and-change-government/
July 4, 2012
The Declaration of Independence was a magnificent presentation of the grievances of the American Colonies against an overreaching and overbearing government. It also laid out in spectacular wording for the first time the basic principles of freedom and liberty.
The preamble says in part “…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 affect their Safety and Happiness.”
Later, when our forefathers created the U.S. Constitution, they referred to these principles in the opening line, which is “We the People of the United States . . . do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” Understanding the principles set forth in The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution they provided had within it the means by which the people could change, alter, and amend the Constitution as they saw the need. In fact, in order to get the document passed by the two-thirds majority of states required to adopt the Constitution, the Federalists had to promise the Anti-Federalists that they would immediately amend a Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Without this promise, it is doubtful that the Constitution would have ever received the votes necessary to become the law of the land. These first ten amendments are our cherished “Bill of Rights.”
All state constitutions within the United States likewise present, for legal purposes, how the government will function and the limits on that government. Constitutions are enacted to limit the powers of government; laws are enacted to direct the actions of people. Each state constitution contains within it the means by which the people of that state may amend their constitution. The idea that constitutions are “living documents” rather than a legal document stems from Europe; it is based on the idea of “rule of men” rather than “rule of law.”
Every successful businessman knows that without clear and firm laws that can be counted upon, it would be impossible to conduct successful business. If the laws to do business were subject to the whim of a judge or magistrate, it would not be possible to make clear plans and investments, and therefore, the businesses and economy would suffer. This system always leads to corruption, confusion, and the advancement of poverty rather than the increase of prosperity for the majority of people. Our system is a legal system, not an evolving so-called “living” system based upon the whims and biases of judges and magistrates.
However, we are experiencing dangerous encroachments upon the rights of the people and their right to self government, including the right to choose their own form of governance and the ability to amend or abolish such laws and government.
The most dangerous threat against all Americans is currently in play in the State of California over the right to define marriage and dictate what the Government may and may not do to the people of that state. The people of California seem to know instinctively the dangers of redefining and destroying traditional marriage. They also know that they have the right, according to their constitution and the U.S. Constitution, to change laws and amend their constitution. In short, they know they have the right to choose their own government—or do they?
A short review of events is in order. In the year 2000, California voters overwhelmingly approved (61% of the voters to 39%) the passage of Proposition 22, which defined legal marriage in the State of California as between one man and one woman. This was done in response to judicial activism which was, and is, currently promoting marriage as between two people regardless of gender. While this strong showing of the electorate surprised many, it meant nothing to the courts of California who overruled the change to the California Family Code saying it was unconstitutional.
So the good citizens of California complied with the ruling of the courts and passed an amendment to their constitution through the passage of Proposition 8 in 2008. This amended the California Constitution to read “only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” This also passed by a strong margin of the electorate. However, in a double jeopardy ruling, United States District Court Judge Vaughn R. Walker overturned the amendment on grounds that it would be unconstitutional with a scathing anti-Christian rant as a ruling. His ruling has been upheld by a Federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel. The panel also affirmed that they believed Judge Walker was not obligated to recuse himself from the case because he is a practicing homosexual. This decision is being appealed to the Supreme Court of the United States.
The Supreme Court case Marbury vs. Madison (1803) is considered by many jurists and legal scholars to be the most important ruling ever from the U.S. Supreme Court. In part, the ruling stated, “That the people have an original right to establish, for their future government, such principles as, in their opinion, shall most conduce to their own happiness, is the basis, on which the whole American fabric has been erected . . . The principles, therefore, so established, are deemed fundamental.
And as the authority, from which they proceed, is supreme . . . they are designed to be permanent . . . The powers of the legislature are defined, and limited; and that those limits may not be mistaken, or forgotten, the constitution is written.”
To sum it up, due to concern over judicial activism, the citizens of California acted to clarify for their state that marriage is between one man and one woman. Once legally placed into the family code, it was ruled unconstitutional by activist judges. Therefore, the citizens of California amended their constitution to constitutionally define marriage as between one man and one woman. This amendment to their constitution has now also been ruled unconstitutional. Is there any irony in a ruling that says an amendment to a constitution is unconstitutional?
CONTINUED: http://wilsonncteaparty.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/the-peoples-right-to-choose-and-change-government/
Rep. Allen B. West: The Balkanized States of America
The 56 rebels knew they very well might be hanged for what they were about to do. As lawyers, merchants, farmers and landowners, they had plenty to lose. Fighting against an imperial ruler, they had everything to gain.
They were embarking on an adventure - not only because they were revolting against their own government and fighting outmanned and outgunned against a superior military - but because they were creating a radical approach to self-governance.
The 56 men who signed our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, knew the only way they ever would be successful in their audacious plan was if they stood together. As Benjamin Franklin said at the signing, “if we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately.”
Our founders shared a unified vision for our nation. They understood that unity of the many was necessary to uphold the sovereignty of the individual and the fundamental, unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
To ensure the sovereignty of each individual American, our Founding Fathers knew the country would have to be unified on certain principles and values: a limited constitutional government, a free market, a respect for “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” and a strong national defense.
Sadly, we are in danger of squandering the precious gift those 56 rebels gave us 236 years ago.
We have become a nation of “special interests” - but what interest can be more special than preserving the greatness of the United States of America and the freedoms of all its citizens?
We have politicians who would rather divide us based on income, gender or race than unite us as Americans. They want citizens to believe that “all men were created equal” really means “all men are entitled to an equal share.” They want their fellow Americans to believe anyone else’s economic success always comes at their own expense.
CONTINUED: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jul/3/the-balkanized-states-of-america/
They were embarking on an adventure - not only because they were revolting against their own government and fighting outmanned and outgunned against a superior military - but because they were creating a radical approach to self-governance.
The 56 men who signed our Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, knew the only way they ever would be successful in their audacious plan was if they stood together. As Benjamin Franklin said at the signing, “if we do not hang together, we shall surely hang separately.”
Our founders shared a unified vision for our nation. They understood that unity of the many was necessary to uphold the sovereignty of the individual and the fundamental, unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
To ensure the sovereignty of each individual American, our Founding Fathers knew the country would have to be unified on certain principles and values: a limited constitutional government, a free market, a respect for “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” and a strong national defense.
Sadly, we are in danger of squandering the precious gift those 56 rebels gave us 236 years ago.
We have become a nation of “special interests” - but what interest can be more special than preserving the greatness of the United States of America and the freedoms of all its citizens?
We have politicians who would rather divide us based on income, gender or race than unite us as Americans. They want citizens to believe that “all men were created equal” really means “all men are entitled to an equal share.” They want their fellow Americans to believe anyone else’s economic success always comes at their own expense.
CONTINUED: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jul/3/the-balkanized-states-of-america/
The 4th of July
“Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 menwho signed the Declaration of Independence?
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants,
Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated,
but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!
Patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.
Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died.
Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.
Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured.
Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.
They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor.
What kind of men were they?
Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.
Eleven were merchants,
Nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated,
but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.
Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.
Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.
Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.
At the battle of Yorktown , Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt.
Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.
John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.
So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid.
Remember: freedom is never free!
Patriotism is NOT a sin, and the Fourth of July has more to it than beer, picnics, and baseball games.
Monday, July 4, 2011
America's Fourth, the spirit of 1776
July 4, 2011
Marie Jon, RenewAmerica analyst
"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." — Thomas Jefferson
Like many Americans, I'll be with my family celebrating the Fourth of July. We will gather around the BBQ and enjoy our favorite dishes, which will include delicious home-made pies. I personally enjoy the peach, apple and cherry pies, served up with extra rich vanilla ice cream.
When the evening comes, we will be out and about with others, watching with amazement over a harbor the breathtaking fireworks display put on at our local community park.
The Fourth of July (Independence Day) is a national holiday, yet most Americans feel a bit uneasy and uncertain concerning the future of our country. Our Constitution is under attack, and we find ourselves having to focus more than ever on our rights and liberties, which seem to be disappearing under this present administration. We want our nation to thrive once again, we want to rebound and re-grow our economy — and that is impossible with a far-left ideologue sitting in the White House. Until President Barack Obama leaves office, all we can do is endure his socialistic polices, and plan to employ damage control when he leaves. Twenty-twelve can't arrive too soon.
The Fourth of July is an extraordinarily special holiday. It's a time to pause and acknowledge the colonists who were very angry about burdensome rules and regulations, including extremely high taxes. The unrest and discontentment would eventually resolve itself as the momentum built by the indignation of righteous people brought these issues to the forefront by 1776.
Most of America's colonists came from Great Britain. They wanted to break free from the mother country. Simply put, they yearned to become independent from a country that did not treat them with respect and dignity. These strong-minded folks fully understood that departing from a powerful nation would mean that they would have to take on personal and civic responsibilities. Before long, they began to think about their own laws and providing for their own needs.
CONTINUED: http://www.renewamerica.com/analysis/jon/110703
Marie Jon, RenewAmerica analyst
"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." — Thomas Jefferson
Like many Americans, I'll be with my family celebrating the Fourth of July. We will gather around the BBQ and enjoy our favorite dishes, which will include delicious home-made pies. I personally enjoy the peach, apple and cherry pies, served up with extra rich vanilla ice cream.
When the evening comes, we will be out and about with others, watching with amazement over a harbor the breathtaking fireworks display put on at our local community park.
The Fourth of July (Independence Day) is a national holiday, yet most Americans feel a bit uneasy and uncertain concerning the future of our country. Our Constitution is under attack, and we find ourselves having to focus more than ever on our rights and liberties, which seem to be disappearing under this present administration. We want our nation to thrive once again, we want to rebound and re-grow our economy — and that is impossible with a far-left ideologue sitting in the White House. Until President Barack Obama leaves office, all we can do is endure his socialistic polices, and plan to employ damage control when he leaves. Twenty-twelve can't arrive too soon.
The Fourth of July is an extraordinarily special holiday. It's a time to pause and acknowledge the colonists who were very angry about burdensome rules and regulations, including extremely high taxes. The unrest and discontentment would eventually resolve itself as the momentum built by the indignation of righteous people brought these issues to the forefront by 1776.
Most of America's colonists came from Great Britain. They wanted to break free from the mother country. Simply put, they yearned to become independent from a country that did not treat them with respect and dignity. These strong-minded folks fully understood that departing from a powerful nation would mean that they would have to take on personal and civic responsibilities. Before long, they began to think about their own laws and providing for their own needs.
CONTINUED: http://www.renewamerica.com/analysis/jon/110703
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Sun Journal Letter to the Editor: Happiness, by Edwin Vargas
July 3, 2011
As American’s look at another Fourth of July we see a country that is more divided than unified. Our Founding Fathers would scream over the direction America is heading toward. “Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” comes to mind when I think of Independence Day. Especially the pursuit of happiness. Pursuit of happiness is not having our government doing everything for you. Our culture in this society is mirrored into entitlement-socialist agenda. Just look at the past few years since we have changed presidents.
Unless we change direction of an entitlement, cultural work ethic mind set, we are headed for an America that we will not be proud of. Our elected officials must change course in the near future. If no change is done, our government will control what you eat, drink, drive and wear. Period.
The Democrats are running out of ideas to help, save and improve this country for everyone.
We the people voted for a president and assumed his words were true. Our president has wasted the first part of his presidency on government-run health care and neglected to curtail and stop wars to bring true building of America to America. Now that the pressure is on to better the economy, another idea has come up – more economic stimulus for job creation. Why don’t we remove regulation on small businesses which create 70 percent of the jobs in this country, not the federal government? Why don’t we just say enough of two wars and other conflicts that are not truly of national interest? Our interest is to move this country from a government control mentality to an individual control mindset.
Our republic will not stand on mountains of debt, red ink and ownership by foreign investors who can have a say on the direction of this great country.
As you take time from your busy getaway vacation during the Fourth of July please take the time to look at our nation as a pursuit of free happiness, not a controlling government whose every move is at their control. We are a great nation founded on the Constitution, which is being shredded as we speak by our so-called elected officials. We as a nation must stand up make our elected officials know that the direction of this great land is a course for disaster. God bless America, my home sweet home.
Edwin Vargas, New Bern
© Copyright 2011 Freedom Communications. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/american-98690-happiness-.html
As American’s look at another Fourth of July we see a country that is more divided than unified. Our Founding Fathers would scream over the direction America is heading toward. “Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness” comes to mind when I think of Independence Day. Especially the pursuit of happiness. Pursuit of happiness is not having our government doing everything for you. Our culture in this society is mirrored into entitlement-socialist agenda. Just look at the past few years since we have changed presidents.
Unless we change direction of an entitlement, cultural work ethic mind set, we are headed for an America that we will not be proud of. Our elected officials must change course in the near future. If no change is done, our government will control what you eat, drink, drive and wear. Period.
The Democrats are running out of ideas to help, save and improve this country for everyone.
We the people voted for a president and assumed his words were true. Our president has wasted the first part of his presidency on government-run health care and neglected to curtail and stop wars to bring true building of America to America. Now that the pressure is on to better the economy, another idea has come up – more economic stimulus for job creation. Why don’t we remove regulation on small businesses which create 70 percent of the jobs in this country, not the federal government? Why don’t we just say enough of two wars and other conflicts that are not truly of national interest? Our interest is to move this country from a government control mentality to an individual control mindset.
Our republic will not stand on mountains of debt, red ink and ownership by foreign investors who can have a say on the direction of this great country.
As you take time from your busy getaway vacation during the Fourth of July please take the time to look at our nation as a pursuit of free happiness, not a controlling government whose every move is at their control. We are a great nation founded on the Constitution, which is being shredded as we speak by our so-called elected officials. We as a nation must stand up make our elected officials know that the direction of this great land is a course for disaster. God bless America, my home sweet home.
Edwin Vargas, New Bern
© Copyright 2011 Freedom Communications. All Rights Reserved.
http://www.newbernsj.com/articles/american-98690-happiness-.html
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