Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
by: James Stoker
Independence Day. A celebration of Declaration of Independence.
John Adams once wrote:
“The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.“
He was close! America would go on to celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, instead. Celebrating the approval of the Declaration of Independence rather than Lee’s resolution of independence that led to the Declaration which had begun two days earlier. The war had begun over a year prior and would rage on for seven more years after the Declaration.
Two hundred forty-eight years later where are we? We argue with detractors about the differences between a democracy and constitutional republic. We find ourselves having to defend the ideals that birthed a nation against half of the residents of that same nation, who have lost their sight of why independent liberties are so essential to peace and prosperity. We find ourselves in debate against the propaganda phrases like “common sense” and “greater good”. We find legislators perverting the words of founding fathers on the House floor claiming you have to sacrifice liberty for their views of safety, views that are not supported by history or statistics.
But there remains hope. Despite what seems to be an ever-growing tide of ignorance in our fellow man, we maintain hope. For it is hope that spoke out against unfair taxes imposed by a monarch. It is hope that sprouted the Stamp Act Congress. Hope that led to the small pockets of rebellion and the First Continental Congress. Hope that formed the Continental Army and hope that won an incredible victory against the world’s most powerful military. Hope that led to the first constitutional republic in history founded upon the consent of the governed.
I have hope. Hope that our band of patriots can outlast the never-ending efforts by our opponents to strip our rights away. Hope that we can swing power in the House back to independence loving Americans who focus on the genuine issues at hand in our society rather than thinking punishing the law-abiding will somehow quell the criminals amongst us. Hope that the hours of effort we put in as a collective will positively impact the history of this great Commonwealth and secure the Pennsylvania and U.S. Constitutions for our children, their children, and many generations thereafter.
And today I have hope that this message finds every one of you in a wonderful place. Recognizing the sacrifices of the past. Appreciating the moments of the present. Hopefully surrounded with loved ones in celebration. And hopeful for the future in which the achievements of our founding fathers live on eternally as the standard for all free women and men.