We’re taking the day off today in recognition and celebration of Independence Day. To many people it’s the Fourth of July, a day for grilling and beer and firecrackers, and while I have nothing against any of those elements it’s a holiday deserving deeper appreciation. It is a day to commemorate the overthrowing of oppressive government and of living life free of the dictates of overlords – as they wrote 237 years ago:
…when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
It is in no way a right and duty limited to the United States, but rather one inherent to all humanity. We just happen to have the fortune of having a particularly eloquent written explanation of it here in the US, along with a group of men willing to act on the idea.
We will return to firearms content tomorrow…
Wishing one and all a happy and meaningful Independence Day — may you and your families always be blessed and kept safe.
Congratulations to Americans and, as indeed so aptly said in editorial, to all of humanity to the Independence day! Let ideals of American revolution to be a beacon for future and lets hope American people will not allow it to be misappropriated by power hungry and ignorant individuals.
Keep safe and enjoy!
Good point, Denny. Thank you, as always :).
I would also like to wish you and all our Canadian friends a belated Happy Canada Day, and I hope that all will continue to go well for your country, your people, their hopes, dreams and aspirations, and their humanity, for now and for the generations to come. I must apologize in being remiss in making out these wishes on time, but I could not find an appropriate opening on the FW forum.
It’s much appreciated Earl!
Without going into politics of relations of both countries, suffice to say that not all Americans have such a warm feelings for their Northern neighbour. Let’s say Canada has its specifics which may make it bit more readily adoptable for many Europeans, such as myself.
Thanks, Denny. The reality in this country, given the current political and socio-economic climate, is that many Americans don’t have particularly warm feelings toward one another either, let alone Canadians, Mexicans or anyone else for that matter. It is a most unfortunate transitional anomaly of the times. On the other hand, given enough time, I think you will find that the majority of Americans are reasonably enlightened and open-minded, and have no such issues at heart.
As a whole, in the long term — where it really matters — the saving grace is that the people of the United States still recognize the precepts of liberty and what they mean to all, regardless of personal limitations, and do their best to honor those precepts in their own way.
Having said all this, I definitely recognize that the Canadian system, for all its perceived faults, definitely has many advantages, as you have pointed out.
Perhaps both systems, instead of constantly being at philosophical odds with each other, could instead learn from each other and incorporate those invaluable lessons into their respective cultures.
I agree! They are both great countries in their own right.
Since I have seen “a long train of abuses” go by, when exactly are you planning to “throw off such Government”?
I dont know maybe same time next year maybe not depends on my mood
Happy 4th of July to all. I will not be cooking on the grill, I will be melting down WHEEL WEIGHTS on the fish fryer (buy not in the fish pot!) Some celebrate their way, I do it my way!!!
This in spite of some shortcomings , is the best and most inspired form of government ever devised. It has sustained the world for over 200 years! God bless America
Happy fourth of July!
As everyone knows, democratic capitalism is the worst form of government. Except for all of the other forms.
Happy Fourth, people, and let’s celebrate one hell of a great nation.