Recapturing the Spirit of Independence

[jetdawgg]

July 2, 2007

This week Americans will gather around the grill, attend parades and watch fireworks displays, all in the celebration of the signing of our Declaration of Independence. At the same time, we will have thousands of bureaucrats, troops and agents stationed in countries across the globe being paid by American tax dollars.

On the anniversary of our declaring our own independence from the British, it is certainly appropriate that we reflect on the nature and spirit of independent nationhood. While our founding fathers were individual men in a historically unique situation, they posited that the principles upon which they rested our national independence were timeless.

If we truly honor the men who brought about Independence Day, we would do well to spend at least as much time reflecting on the Declaration of Independence, and the principles upon which it is based, as we spend at the cookouts, parades, and fireworks displays. With the trend toward globalism that has been with us for the past century, we should be specifically thoughtful about how our celebration of independence can be made consistent with the policies that have been advocated by the American government -- as well as many of the nation’s elite— or what we used to call the Eastern Establishment.

I believe there is no way to square our nation’s traditions and reverence for independence with the globalist policies these elites are currently pursuing. The American concept of independent nationhood inscribed in our Declaration cannot be maintained if we are going to pursue a policy that undermines the independence of other nations. National independence is an idea, and the erosion of the independence of other nations only serves to erode that idea.

At the same time, if we allow the erosion of that idea, by ignoring it in certain instances, we will be contributing to its erosion in all times and nations, even our own. In this way our nation’s independence is linked with the independence of all nations. The sooner we realize this truth, and enact a foreign policy that is consistent with it, the sooner we will be able to recapture the spirit of independence.

In addition, as our founding fathers understood, the idea of national independence is inseparable from that of constitutional republicanism. Only the safe-guards and limitations that are enshrined in a constitutionally-limited republic can prohibit a nation from lurching toward empire. Recognizing these same protections is also the very best way to eliminate the need for civil wars and the violence of civil strife.

Moreover, this constitutional republicanism is essential to protecting the individual rights and self-determination that is at the heart of our Declaration. As we celebrate the 231ist anniversary of our nation’s birth, I hope every person who reads or hears this will take the time to go back and read the Declaration of Independence. Only by recapturing the spirit of independence can we ensure our government never resembles the one from which the American States declared their separation.

http://www.house.gov/paul/tst/tst2007/tst070207.htm

[JinxJr]

He almost had me shaking my head up and down until I got to this.

"I believe there is no way to square our nation’s traditions and reverence for independence with the globalist policies these elites are currently pursuing. The American concept of independent nationhood inscribed in our Declaration cannot be maintained if we are going to pursue a policy that undermines the independence of other nations. National independence is an idea, and the erosion of the independence of other nations only serves to erode that idea."

[OLE SARG]

Seems like he always steps in the dog-poo somewhere just before you think he might be on to something!!!!!

SEMPER FI,

[thedrifter]

Seems like he always steps in the dog-poo somewhere just before you think he might be on to something!!!!!

SEMPER FI,

Thanks Sarg You made me spit my coffee all over the monitor

Ellie

[jetdawgg]

OLE Sarge you are the best

[JinxJr]

LOL...QUICK, get Ellie some paper towels

[jetdawgg]

Someone did post here he would make a good VP

[drumcorpssnare]

jetdawgg- I reflect on the Declaration of Independence quite often. Great document. I've even seen the original.
Much of your post was well written, and gives us cause to remember why our nation is so great.
But, some parts seem to me to be (to quote Col. Potter from M.A.S.H.)....
"HORSE PUCKEY!"

"...constitutionally-limited republic....lurching toward empire."

The last land America "took", was Hawaii from Princess Lilioukalani. (Remember, it belonged to the Hawaiian people. McKinley said, "Too bad. We want it.")
So...the "lurching toward empire" is pure drivvel.

Your "veiled" references to Guantanamo and Pres. Bush's covert surveillence are understandable. But also understand, that had we questioned the detainees, and released them within 72 hrs...the enemy would have been elated! Same with the surveillence policy. Bush proposes it...Congress and the American people say, "NO WAY!" The terrorists say, "YEAHHHHH!"

And remember, the Islamic radicals don't want independent republics. They don't even want governments of any kind. The Islamic "people" might wish to have a democracy, but even under the best of circumstances, it won't be a carbon copy of America's govt., due to cultural differences.

drumcorpssnare

[jetdawgg]

jetdawgg- I reflect on the Declaration of Independence quite often. Great document. I've even seen the original.
Much of your post was well written, and gives us cause to remember why our nation is so great.
But, some parts seem to me to be (to quote Col. Potter from M.A.S.H.)....
"HORSE PUCKEY!"

"...constitutionally-limited republic....lurching toward empire."

The last land America "took", was Hawaii from Princess Lilioukalani. (Remember, it belonged to the Hawaiian people. McKinley said, "Too bad. We want it.")
So...the "lurching toward empire" is pure drivvel.

Your "veiled" references to Guantanamo and Pres. Bush's covert surveillence are understandable. But also understand, that had we questioned the detainees, and released them within 72 hrs...the enemy would have been elated! Same with the surveillence policy. Bush proposes it...Congress and the American people say, "NO WAY!" The terrorists say, "YEAHHHHH!"

And remember, the Islamic radicals don't want independent republics. They don't even want governments of any kind. The Islamic "people" might wish to have a democracy, but even under the best of circumstances, it won't be a carbon copy of America's govt., due to cultural differences.

drumcorpssnare

drums this is from Ron Paul (R Tx) a candidate for US President.

"lurching toward empire". My thinking is that Mr. Paul is commenting ont he fact that the president and vp are skirting the laws of the USA as though they are above it.

The recent headlines clearly show that theya re doing that.

Holding human beings for years without any charges is "INHUMANE". It puts the USA in a category where we are nothing more than a rogue element. A country being managed by neanderthals or barbarians.

Certainly there is a more cerebral approach.

It looks to me as thought the 'Islamic" people don want the USA pushing democracy down their throats. See Iraq today for instance.

[sparkie]

Your right, Inhumane... DO you recall German spies caught in New Jersey during WW2.. something like that. Hung within 2 weeks? I call Gitmo humaine restraint.

[jetdawgg]

Your right, Inhumane... DO you recall German spies caught in New Jersey during WW2.. something like that. Hung within 2 weeks? I call Gitmo humaine restraint.

The German spies were not called 'detainees'

[drumcorpssnare]

jetdawgg- Only because they weren't around long enough to be detained.
drumcorpssnare

[sparkie]

Perhaps another humane way of saying enemy combatants. Known Terrorists are being held. Should we release them, maybe issue them weapons for their pain and suffering? How about giving them sensitivity training? According to you it must be wrong 'cause the government is involved. How about a halfway house for them in your neighborhood?

P.S those spies were turned in by German-Americans. How many of those at Gitmo were turned in by Muslem-Americans?
Sorry, I gotta say let the experts sort it out, the American Military.

[jetdawgg]

Perhaps another humane way of saying enemy combatants. Known Terrorists are being held. Should we release them, maybe issue them weapons for their pain and suffering? How about giving them sensitivity training? According to you it must be wrong 'cause the government is involved. How about a halfway house for them in your neighborhood?

P.S those spies were turned in by German-Americans. How many of those at Gitmo were turned in by Muslem-Americans?
Sorry, I gotta say let the experts sort it out, the American Military.

I am going to start calling the "Talking Points' segment on Bill O's show the Fix'd News Channel 'Joking Points'.

Please review the link:

http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0208-02.htm


http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0209-04.htm

[ivalis]

"experts sort it out", baa haa, wrong administration for that.