Monday, July 4, 2011

The Fourth and Our Foundering Fathers


We’ve heard a number of references recently to the men who shaped our nation, some incredibly incorrect.  This may be a gigantic clue that our education system is less than effective.  Many of our politicians want us to believe that the work they are currently doing in Congress is an extension of what the Founding Fathers intended.  But I suspect them of being misinformed, downright wrong, or more frighteningly, only concerned with protecting their economic asses.

I was watching part of “John Adams” today.  It was a very nicely done miniseries on HBO and produced by Tom Hanks, so I trust most of the history.  I should mention that I also love “1776”, the musical, with book and lyrics taken from the actual writings of John and Abigail Adams.  The story, whether accompanied by song and dance or not, is still moving and still relevant and still mostly ignored by our politicians today, and those who like to adjust Wikipedia.

So here is what is in my heart as I celebrate another birthday of the United States of America.

The Congress of this country does no honor to the memory of the men who once came together in Philadelphia to bring about a new and free nation.  The Congress pays no homage to those men, and the women who stood beside them, as they faced a future full of dire threats and the possible end of all their hopes.  These men, who are called the Founding Fathers, risked all to stand up to oppression, to refuse to be treated as second-class citizens.  They risked their lives, the loss of their possessions, the loss of their honor, all to stand up and say, “No more.”  Undoubtedly there were some who were concerned for their businesses and their plantations.  But at the end, they were willing to pledge themselves to a new order that offered justice, protection, and the promise of happiness to all its citizens.

"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men; therefore, the people alone have an incontestable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to institute government; and to reform, alter, or totally change the same, when their protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness require it." - Thoughts on Government, 1776, John Adams

John Adams was an educated man, although not a prosperous one.  He understood the hardships that life placed on the average man and woman, and he firmly believed that every citizen was entitled to the rights he listed above.  Adams knew that these rights would not come to all citizens, even in his lifetime, but he believed they would and should come.  And in his world, all would contribute for the betterment of the populace at large.

"Each individual of the society has a right to be protected by it in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property, according to standing laws. He is obliged, consequently, to contribute his share to the expense of this protection; and to give his personal service, or an equivalent, when necessary.” - Thoughts on Government, 1776, John Adams

The Congress which meets now purports to follow the path created by greater men.  But these men and women have now created their own definitions of protection, safety, prosperity and happiness.  How many of the representatives might be living on the streets if they miss their next paycheck?  How many of them have been on welfare or unemployment?  How many of them have relied on neighborhood clinics or Planned Parenthood for healthcare?  How many of them have had to choose between purchasing medicine for a sick child or buying food?  How many of these representatives would stand up today and risk their lives, their very futures to preserve and protect the freedoms we took for ourselves in 1776? 

I think the answer is NONE. 

If I had the money, I would travel to the halls of Congress and walk down those halls, saying to everyone I met, “Shame.  Shame.  Shame on you all, that you do not remember where your duty lies.” 

The men who fought for the creation of this country were not saints, but they were not entirely opportunists either.  They saw a country that could be what England and the European countries were not.  A land where all people would have protection under the law.  All people would have the opportunity to succeed.  All people would have an education that would allow them to succeed.  A land where there would be no nobles or aristocrats who would control the populace.  This was their dream.

So I am going to honor the men who sacrificed and risked all to give me my country.  I am going to speak out for those who are oppressed, I am going to demand my rights, I am going to follow the path laid down by the men of Philadelphia. 

Happy Fourth of July.  Do not forget.