Friday, May 1, 2009

The History of Our Freedom

I've been watching the HBO mini series John Adams on DVD. What a powerful account of the efforts and sacrifices made by our forefathers to secure the freedom and liberties that our nation enjoys today.

There are likely several inaccuracies in this account compared to the true history of these events. Frankly, that's not going to make me throw out the overall message. The principles, and their basis, are too important to ignore.

I hope that more people study our history - the events, the foundations, the perspectives and the people - to better understand the origins of the freedom that was secured on our behalf. We need to learn from our history and foundational principles rather than discard them out of ignorance.

I would also hope that we would more carefully understand the references that we cite in our political arguments, such as our constitution and the bill of rights, to understand the true language and purpose behind the writings created to both document and preserve our freedom.

As one of my mentors often says, "Know why you believe what you believe."

What made us a free nation will keep us free. What made us strong will keep us strong. What was won on our behalf must be preserved.


"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

Ronald Reagan