In Congress, on July 2nd 1776, the “Lee Resolution” passed by a vote of 12-0. This hard fought action was the recorded tally which brought about independence from Great Britain and the crown. On July 4th, we celebrate that vote, as the delegates would adopt the aforementioned resolution on that date. The actual signing took place over a period of weeks and months, as the men of our nation’s founding, scattered to fight and protect their homes and businesses from the coming British torrent of violence and destruction.

https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/signing-declaration-independence/

Nevertheless, the greatest experiment in human history had begun, namely the notion that a free people could govern themselves, within a representative  structure of their choosing. Ultimately, a Constitution and Bill of Rights were needed, and would come at a later date. But for all intents and purposes, that unprecedented document signified the birth of a sovereign nation. And the experiment continues today.

In the past 247 years, there have been many challenges to this experiment to be sure, however none greater than that of present day America. Now I don’t say this lightly, or with a nonchalant attitude concerning the history of this young republic. And I certainly don’t take for granted the blood and treasure which has been expended so I might enjoy my favorite bacon cheese burger and an adult beverage this Tuesday afternoon. No my friends, quite to the contrary, what I’m talking about is history, plain and simple. For if we fail the test of that fateful July 2nd, and if we fail to educate our posterity on the goodness and exceptionalism of a country which has done more for the human condition than any in recorded history, then all of the other contributions and great sacrifices made by those who came before us, are lost.

“Ignorance is bliss” to be sure my fellow Americans. But purposeful ignorance and complacency, in the face of the hard truths “We the People” must confront in 2023, is akin to spitting in the faces of the Founders, and yes, in the faces of our children and grandchildren.

So as we come together and celebrate “Independence Day 2023”, please take a moment to read and understand “The Declaration”. It’s not a long document, and it was meant to be read. It will clear up a few things for some of you, not the least of which is, that there was never any promise of happiness, but rather a person’s God-given right to “pursue” it in a free country.

In the final analysis, this “experiment” can fail. History tells us that other great nations have acquiesced to the nefarious ambitions of dictators and madmen and their thirst for power over the people, and they were diluted and/or destroyed in time. We too can lose it all to the ash heap of history, because we choose the low road the evil one has laid out for us, instead of doing the hard things and handing off a better country to the next generation.

America is not perfect I know, and neither are “We the People”. But it is that very premise, that we may come together, and by way of the God-given freedom as outlined in the Founding documents, overcome our differences for the common good and the preservation of liberty, which sets us apart. God Bless all of you this 4th of July, and be safe…