Time to Renew the Spirit of '76

On May 15, 1776, the Virginia Legislature passed instructions to its delegates to the 2nd Continental Congress to propose to Congress that it declare the colonies “free and independent states.” The resolutions reached Congress on May 27. Barely a month later, on July 2, the Congress approved independence, and on July 4, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

Where is that Spirit of ’76 today? Our forefathers placed their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor at risk to rebel against an oppressive British Empire. Today, more people are interested in reality tv, the dysfunctional lives of celebrities, and sports than our freedom.

We are fools to think that we can continue to be a free people without a vigorous defense of our founding First Principles of the rule of law, unalienable rights, equality, the Social Compact, and limited government. America, follow the example of our Virginian Founding Fathers and act, before it is too late.

For more on our founding First Principles and history, visit: www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com.

A Tribute to PaPa – A Man of Character

Today mark’s my grandfather’s birthday, may he rest in peace. I can’t but help to moved by the life he lived. Honest, hardworking, joyful, religious, and patriotic – he was a true man of character. A 100% blue collar worker, he labored his entire life so that his family could live the American Dream. And he succeeded. Among his family are successful business executives, accountants, lawyers, nurses, and public officials.

100% Sicilian, he joined the US Army as a teenager and fought in the European theater – including in the Battle of the Bulge. His unit was all but wiped out, but he survived to come home and build a wonderful, loving home for his wife and family. We grandchildren are truly blessed by PaPa’s legacy.

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, he was among the “iron men, they fought for the principle that they were contending for; and we understood that by what they then did it has followed that the degree of posterity that we now enjoy has come to us.” His generation – what many dub the greatest generation – made huge sacrifices so that we might enjoy the blessings of liberty. It is incumbent upon us, therefore, to live up to that great responsibility so that our children and grandchildren can continue the legacy.

Let us pray we are up to the challenge.

May Day v Law Day

Today is May Day v Law Day. Many communist regimes used to celebrate "workers" rights on May Day. They also referred to May 1 as International Workers Day. The bottom line is that these regimes oppressed the unalienable rights of their people under the guise of elevating workers' rights, and even celebrated such oppression with a national holiday.

The American Bar Association (ABA) responded with "Law Day" - which celebrates the First Principle of the Rule of Law on May 1. Today across the nation, lmany awyers worked to celebrate and respect the Rule of Law through various service projects and other activities. I'm with the ABA 100% on this one!

For more on the importance of the Rule of Law, check out www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com.

Alas, Detroit

With today's announcement of a bankruptcy filing by Chrysler Corporation, America's once mighty industrial giants have revealed their weakness. In light of the recent economic crash, federal bailouts, and skyrocketing spending and job losses, this is no surprise. However, what made it unique was the President's announcement of the bankruptcy - which came on the heels of his demand that the CEO of GM resign. Whether right or wrong (hey, I'm from Detroit - I am all for saving the Big 3), what has been missing from the equation are our First Principles. How does this all square with (1) the rule of law, (2) equality, (3) unalienable rights, (4) the Social Compact, and (5) limited government. The answer may be out there, but no one is asking the question. If the question is not asked, how can we expect that our nation's founding principles will be followed?

Emancipation Day

April 16 marks the anniversary of Emancipation Day. This is the day on which Abraham Lincoln signed a bill that emancipated about 3100 slaves in the District of Columbia. The First Principle of equality was finally beginning to be recognized. This came months before Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation - which freed slaves in all states in a state rebellion.

TAX DAY

April 15 is a day that lives in infamy in America. Every year millions of manhours are spent calculating taxes and wading through complicated tax regulations and forms. Every year the Congress tinkers with the tax code, adding to its complexities and mammoth size. In America, the rule of law is supposed to govern - but it is undermined because the tax code is so complicated, and so large, and its compliance costs are so high, that most citizens are befuddled by what exactly is taxed, at what rate, for how long. Tax evasion (legal and illegal) is rampant. A healthy state of affairs would be furthered if those in Washington, DC and across state capitals began to look at the First Principles of the rule of law, equality, and limited government when reforming the tax code.

Striking at the Pirates - Protecting the Rule of Law and Unalienable Rights

The US Navy's liberation of US Captain Richard Phillips is a victory not only against piracy, but also for the rule of law and unalienable rights. Watching ABC's This Week this morning, one could rightfully have wondered whether a large portion of America's pundits cared much about either. Thankfully, the President and the US Navy stood up against the ravages of piracy and acted decisively to save Captain Phillips by killing 3 of the 4 pirates, and capturing the fourth.

Apparently over 60 pirate attacks on non-USA targets have already occurred this year. To continue to allow the pirates to run roughshod would simply give victory to lawlessness. By taking the pirates out, the rule of law and the protection of unalienable rights have triumphed.

The pirates operating around the Horn of Africa continue to hold over 200 hostages from several non-USA countries. The question becomes, will the rest of the world act follow America's lead and act decisively to protect the rule of law and unalienable rights?