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| Home Front: Culture Wars |
| The Ghost of Thomas Jefferson, Part 2 |
| 2007-12-18 |
| Once the Founding Fathers had broken the chains of tyranny they realized that what stood before them was a task unequaled in history. Civilizations have always risen and fallen, usually due to the enlightened or misguided paths the leaders chose. Having set the stage for a new civilization guided by the ideals of personal responsibility, honor, and freedom, the men who cast off the oppressors of their time found that creating a nation bound by laws that prohibited a government that set itself apart from the people was a task not easily accomplished. To express the difficulty they faced to future generations so that their intent and desires would not and could not be questioned, they documented much of their discussions. The prime example is of course the Federalist Papers. Notes from the First and Second Continental Congress provide insight as well. Though these documents do exist and are exquisitely detailed as to the intent of the Founding Fathers, most American citizens do not know or understand what is contained within these historic pages. Sadly, while the technological knowledge base has increased over the centuries, the fundamental understanding of history and civic lessons of the past are being neglected, dooming the United States to follow other civilizations that fell to the burdensome weight of their governments. This lack of education is the leading culprit that places the United States in the dire position it now is. Recent passage of laws such as the misleadingly named Patriot Act and the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Act has subtly eroded away the freedoms recognized in the Bill of Rights. The lack of public outcry to such travesties of justice and freedom is purely shocking. |
| Posted by:Whiskey Mike |
| #7 Spot on Whiskey Mike. We are the only mil force in the world (AFAIK) that swears to uphold an ideal. Gives me goose bumps everytime I've taken it and every time I've given the oath of office to a newly promoted officer or enlisted Marine. Sometimes I worry that our govt will get so out of control that we will have to possibly push people out by gun point. Thank God for me posse comitatus won't put me in a position to hurt other Americans. I wouldn't mine throwing a few congresscritters out on their ears though. |
| Posted by: Broadhead6 2007-12-18 21:30 |
| #6 It occured to me that everyone might not be familiar with the phrase invoked by BH6 and seconded by me. The phrase "... all enemies, foreign and domestic" is a kind of shorthand. It is from the oath taken upon enlistment or commissioning. To me, it is what counts. Cribbing from the web: "I, _____, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." It is the only oath I have ever taken. It has no expiration date. It is an oath of permanent loyalty to the ideals of the Constitution and the chain of command that exists to defend it. Probably too simply put, but I am a simple man. Honor, responsibility, duty. There is a lot going on right now that is not visible or clear. Have faith in the basic honor and courage of your fellow Americans. |
| Posted by: Whiskey Mike 2007-12-18 21:08 |
| #5 Roger that, BH6. "...all enemies, foreign and domestic", indeed. Stand by. |
| Posted by: Whiskey Mike 2007-12-18 20:50 |
| #4 Thank you PTAH. I fear we are not too far off from a national revolution based on an out of touch federal govt. I am not a hocus pocus believing type, but my mother who has been known to have some weird premonitions had one on the subject the other night. Like w/some of the others that panned out and some that didn't - I'll sit back but w/due vigilance....all enemies, foreign & domestic. |
| Posted by: Broadhead6 2007-12-18 20:45 |
| #3 The battle of Athens, Tennessee. One passes through that county going on I-75 from Chattanooga to Atlanta. Had no idea that happened there. Which tells you what professional historians think is really important. |
| Posted by: Ptah 2007-12-18 13:45 |
| #2 Should that change, undoubtedly the citizens will come to understand what their forefathers knew at Concord, Lexington and not so long ago in Athens. Please add Waco,Texas to the cities listed herein. Thank you Clinton, Reno, FBI, and BATF. |
| Posted by: Besoeker 2007-12-18 10:33 |
| #1 I want to make it clear that this was not written by me. I wish I had written it, but I did not. That said, while it is a far more well-ordered and thoughtful exposition than I could produce, I am in complete agreement with the observations and ideas expressed. I am only passing it along so others might read it as well. |
| Posted by: Whiskey Mike 2007-12-18 10:27 |