In these most unsettling of times, there is a temptation to sit back and let the course of history pass us by. But then you will regret it. The bard of all time, Mr. Shakespeare, presented us how bitter it might be in his famous St. Crispin’s Day speech in Henry V:
"We few, we happy few,
We band of brothers;
For he today that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother . . .
And gentlemen in England now abed
Shall think themselves accursed they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin’s day."
Don't let history pass you by, and regret you did not join the battles engaged today.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Boris Yeltsin and the Spirit of Liberty
Photo source: minnesota.publicradio.org
On August 20, 1991 Boris Yeltsin stood on the turret of a tank and made history. In June of that year, he had been elected as the Russia's president in the first free election in Russian history.
When the old guard of the totalitarian and communist Soviet Union realized that they were losing their grip on power, they reacted by trying to suffocate the nascent democratic government in Russia. Yeltsin would have none of it, climbed on the tank, and made a booming speech in defense of liberty. The old guard cracked, and soon would the Soviet Union.
Thankfully Americans are not facing down tanks in the streets. But that does not mean we can't learn from Yeltsin. We need to be vigilant too. For far too long Americans have been complacent about the need to defend their liberties and to be engaged in the political process. Although we may not need to climb a tank, we ought to step up to defend our freedom - we will have no one to blame but ourselves it slips from our grasp.
For more on the importance of defending our liberty, visit AmericasSurvivalGuide.com.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Protests are American - Despite What Pelosi Thinks
The Associated Press reported today that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland have complained about Americans loudly protesting at town meetings organized by congressmen during their summer recess. In particular, they have asserted that the protestors are "simply un-American."
Putting aside the substance of the health care debate, perhaps the Speaker and the Majority Leader ought to refresh themselves on the First Amendment to the Constitution, which states that "Congress shall pass no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech . . . or the right to peacefully assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Just in case they become upset about this post, they should also note that the First Amendment also prohibits abridgment of the freedom of press.
In any event, the Founding Fathers would likely be appalled by the notion that vigorous protests - yes, even those that are rude, obnoxious, and interfere with the orchestrated plans of government officials - is "un-American." Founding Fathers Samuel Adams, John Adams, Joseph Warren, and others of the Boston resistance did much more than disrupt a meeting or two.
Indeed, the Founders fought against British encroachments of the unalienable rights of the people, and explained in the Declaration of Independence that resistance to oppression was not only a right, but a duty, of Americans.
For more on our Founding First Principles and unalienable rights, see www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com.
Putting aside the substance of the health care debate, perhaps the Speaker and the Majority Leader ought to refresh themselves on the First Amendment to the Constitution, which states that "Congress shall pass no law . . . abridging the freedom of speech . . . or the right to peacefully assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Just in case they become upset about this post, they should also note that the First Amendment also prohibits abridgment of the freedom of press.
In any event, the Founding Fathers would likely be appalled by the notion that vigorous protests - yes, even those that are rude, obnoxious, and interfere with the orchestrated plans of government officials - is "un-American." Founding Fathers Samuel Adams, John Adams, Joseph Warren, and others of the Boston resistance did much more than disrupt a meeting or two.
Indeed, the Founders fought against British encroachments of the unalienable rights of the people, and explained in the Declaration of Independence that resistance to oppression was not only a right, but a duty, of Americans.
For more on our Founding First Principles and unalienable rights, see www.AmericasSurvivalGuide.com.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
North Korea Murders Distributor of Bible
According to Fox News, North Korea executed a woman, in public, because she distributed a Bible. According to the news report, North Korea officially recognizes religious freedom, but the cold hard reality is that it as totalitarian dictatorship that crushes any potential opposition - including simply practicing one's religion.
America, on the other hand, is dedicated to protecting the unalienable rights of individuals. James Madison, the drafter of the Bill of Rights, put religious liberty first in the First Amendment, reflecting his belief (which was shared by Thomas Jefferson and many other Founding Fathers) that religious liberty was the most important of our unalienable rights.
America, on the other hand, is dedicated to protecting the unalienable rights of individuals. James Madison, the drafter of the Bill of Rights, put religious liberty first in the First Amendment, reflecting his belief (which was shared by Thomas Jefferson and many other Founding Fathers) that religious liberty was the most important of our unalienable rights.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Bastille Day
Happy Bastille Day!
July 14 marks the anniversary of the assault on the great French prison, the Bastille, in 1789. Most historians and French officials consider this day to be the beginning of the French Revolution. Roughly equivalent to our battles at Concord and Lexington (remember, the "shot heard around the world"), the simmering tensions in France boiled over into violence.
In France, "Bastille Day" has officially become the equivalent of Independence Day in America. On the French "July 4th" (ironically on July 14), the French celebrate the birth of liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, what began so hopefully eventually devolved into dictatorship, political purges, massacres, the Terror, and the guillotine. All too soon, Napoleon would be crowned emperor.
Although the American Revolution was also blemished with violence and abhorrent behavior, it never approached the tragedy of the French Revolution. To the contrary, armed with the First Principles of the rule of law, unalienable rights, the Social Compact, equality, and limited government, our Founders fought off attempts to create a dictatorship or engage in deadly political purges or massacres.
The French, on the other hand, eviscerated all of the First Principles by destroying the law, violating unalienable rights (especially of free speech, free press, and the free exercise of religion), rendering asunder the Social Compact, creating class warfare, and establishing totalitarian government.
The contrasts between America and France could not be more vivid. Thank God for America.
July 14 marks the anniversary of the assault on the great French prison, the Bastille, in 1789. Most historians and French officials consider this day to be the beginning of the French Revolution. Roughly equivalent to our battles at Concord and Lexington (remember, the "shot heard around the world"), the simmering tensions in France boiled over into violence.
In France, "Bastille Day" has officially become the equivalent of Independence Day in America. On the French "July 4th" (ironically on July 14), the French celebrate the birth of liberty, equality, and fraternity. However, what began so hopefully eventually devolved into dictatorship, political purges, massacres, the Terror, and the guillotine. All too soon, Napoleon would be crowned emperor.
Although the American Revolution was also blemished with violence and abhorrent behavior, it never approached the tragedy of the French Revolution. To the contrary, armed with the First Principles of the rule of law, unalienable rights, the Social Compact, equality, and limited government, our Founders fought off attempts to create a dictatorship or engage in deadly political purges or massacres.
The French, on the other hand, eviscerated all of the First Principles by destroying the law, violating unalienable rights (especially of free speech, free press, and the free exercise of religion), rendering asunder the Social Compact, creating class warfare, and establishing totalitarian government.
The contrasts between America and France could not be more vivid. Thank God for America.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Historic Fort Wayne
I visited historic Fort Wayne this weekend to witness a Civil War battle re-enactment. A hidden gem on the riverfront of the fair City of Detroit, it is a Civil War era "star fort" that has undergone very slow but significant renovations over the last few years. The re-enactment was excellent. But more important, it created a profound impression of the grave sacrifices that our country experienced in winning freedom for all.
Also very fitting was a memorial service at the Fort that recognized the sacrifices of all of our sacred dead, and those who are still fighting for freedom overseas. God Bless them and God Bless America.
Also very fitting was a memorial service at the Fort that recognized the sacrifices of all of our sacred dead, and those who are still fighting for freedom overseas. God Bless them and God Bless America.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
American History and First Principles Quiz
Check out this American history and First Principles Quiz I originally wrote for the Detroit Free Press (printed last Sunday):
Happy birthday, America! So what was all that hoopla 233 years ago about anyway?
Sharpen your No. 2 pencil and take this quiz focusing on the early history and founding principles of our country.
1. The Declaration of Independence declares that the purpose of government is to: A. Secure the unalienable rights of men, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. B. To ensure a minimum standard of living. C. Promote the general welfare. D. Take from each according to his ability and give according to his need.
2. Among the most important of the long train of abuses suffered by the colonists that sparked the American Revolution was: A. The imposition of higher tea taxes. B. That a king was in charge of the British Empire. C. Taxation without representation, suppression of the right to a jury trial and the dissolution of colonial legislatures. D. The prohibition of American colonists’ attempts to settle Florida.
3. The Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, and its requirement that search warrants be specific, were primarily motivated by: A. The great Boston justice scandal of 1765. B. The Boston Tea Party. C. The criminal investigation following the Boston Massacre. D. England’s extensive use of “general writs of assistance” that allowed open-ended searches with no probable cause.
4. Prior to the outbreak of Revolutionary War fighting, John Adams wrote that the worst of all of England’s oppressive actions against the colonies was: A. The suppression to the right to jury trial. B. Taxation without representation. C. The Boston Massacre. D. High taxes.
5. The Declaration of Independence did not address slavery because: A. Its main writer, Thomas Jefferson, supported slavery. B. Benjamin Franklin supported slavery. C. The 2nd Continental Congress stripped out Jefferson’s condemnation of slavery at the insistence of two southern states. D. The cotton gin had made slavery too lucrative to abolish.
6. Reflecting his belief that this right was the most important, James Madison listed the protection of this liberty first in the First Amendment: A. Due process of law. B. The right to bear arms. C. Free speech. D. The free exercise of religion.
7. The Declaration of Independence declares that men: A. Are given their rights by government. B. Should balance their rights with obligations to their fellow man. C. Have nothing to lose except their chains. D. Are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.
8. Ben Franklin did not: A. Write the Bill of Rights. B. Act as a diplomat and sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. C. Invent the Franklin Stove, the lightning rod and bifocals. D. Establish the University of Pennsylvania, public libraries and abolitionist societies.
9. The Tea Act and tea tax that provoked the Boston Tea Party: A. Decreased the actual cost of tea, but was opposed because it was taxation without representation. B. Increased the actual cost of tea, and was opposed because of its economic burden. C. Increased the actual cost of tea, but was opposed primarily because it was taxation without representation. D. Was widely supported in the colonies as a way to pay their fair share for national defense.
10. Patrick Henry crystallized the perspective of the American revolutionaries when he declared: A. America’s mission was “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” B. “I have not yet begun to fight!” C. “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” D. “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
ANSWERS 1. A.; 2. C.; 3. D.; 4. A.; 5. C.; 6. D.; 7. D.; 8. A.; 9. A.; 10. D. HOW’ D YOU DO? 9-10 correct: Strike up the Sousa — you’re an American expert. 6-8 correct: Wave that flag with vigor. 5 or less correct: Hmm. Were you asleep during American History 101? THE QUIZ AUTHOR This quiz was contributed by Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren, author of “America’s Survival Guide, How to Stop America’s Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History.” The book is available at www .Americas Survival Guide.com or Amazon.com.
Happy birthday, America! So what was all that hoopla 233 years ago about anyway?
Sharpen your No. 2 pencil and take this quiz focusing on the early history and founding principles of our country.
1. The Declaration of Independence declares that the purpose of government is to: A. Secure the unalienable rights of men, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. B. To ensure a minimum standard of living. C. Promote the general welfare. D. Take from each according to his ability and give according to his need.
2. Among the most important of the long train of abuses suffered by the colonists that sparked the American Revolution was: A. The imposition of higher tea taxes. B. That a king was in charge of the British Empire. C. Taxation without representation, suppression of the right to a jury trial and the dissolution of colonial legislatures. D. The prohibition of American colonists’ attempts to settle Florida.
3. The Fourth Amendment’s prohibition against unreasonable searches and seizures, and its requirement that search warrants be specific, were primarily motivated by: A. The great Boston justice scandal of 1765. B. The Boston Tea Party. C. The criminal investigation following the Boston Massacre. D. England’s extensive use of “general writs of assistance” that allowed open-ended searches with no probable cause.
4. Prior to the outbreak of Revolutionary War fighting, John Adams wrote that the worst of all of England’s oppressive actions against the colonies was: A. The suppression to the right to jury trial. B. Taxation without representation. C. The Boston Massacre. D. High taxes.
5. The Declaration of Independence did not address slavery because: A. Its main writer, Thomas Jefferson, supported slavery. B. Benjamin Franklin supported slavery. C. The 2nd Continental Congress stripped out Jefferson’s condemnation of slavery at the insistence of two southern states. D. The cotton gin had made slavery too lucrative to abolish.
6. Reflecting his belief that this right was the most important, James Madison listed the protection of this liberty first in the First Amendment: A. Due process of law. B. The right to bear arms. C. Free speech. D. The free exercise of religion.
7. The Declaration of Independence declares that men: A. Are given their rights by government. B. Should balance their rights with obligations to their fellow man. C. Have nothing to lose except their chains. D. Are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.
8. Ben Franklin did not: A. Write the Bill of Rights. B. Act as a diplomat and sign both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. C. Invent the Franklin Stove, the lightning rod and bifocals. D. Establish the University of Pennsylvania, public libraries and abolitionist societies.
9. The Tea Act and tea tax that provoked the Boston Tea Party: A. Decreased the actual cost of tea, but was opposed because it was taxation without representation. B. Increased the actual cost of tea, and was opposed because of its economic burden. C. Increased the actual cost of tea, but was opposed primarily because it was taxation without representation. D. Was widely supported in the colonies as a way to pay their fair share for national defense.
10. Patrick Henry crystallized the perspective of the American revolutionaries when he declared: A. America’s mission was “to boldly go where no man has gone before.” B. “I have not yet begun to fight!” C. “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.” D. “Give me liberty, or give me death!”
ANSWERS 1. A.; 2. C.; 3. D.; 4. A.; 5. C.; 6. D.; 7. D.; 8. A.; 9. A.; 10. D. HOW’ D YOU DO? 9-10 correct: Strike up the Sousa — you’re an American expert. 6-8 correct: Wave that flag with vigor. 5 or less correct: Hmm. Were you asleep during American History 101? THE QUIZ AUTHOR This quiz was contributed by Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren, author of “America’s Survival Guide, How to Stop America’s Impending Suicide by Reclaiming Our First Principles and History.” The book is available at www .Americas Survival Guide.com or Amazon.com.
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