The cure for the evils of
democracy is more democracy!
H. L. Mencken, Notes on Democracy, 1926
The Madison
Conservative is on a short summer hiatus. We are well aware of the multitude of
constitutional issues facing the nation, and we will begin to address them upon
our return.
In the meantime, it is
with relish we re-post our annual Independence Day blog. Enjoy, and to wit:
On
this 237th anniversary of the founding of the greatest nation the
world has ever beheld, the words of one of the founders should be reexamined
for direction on how we as a nation can find common ground upon which to base
our future.
The
following excerpt is from a letter written by John Adams to his beloved
Abigail. There were few more openly and unabashedly passionate founders than Adams on the subject of the infant nation. His comments
speak volumes to those who wish to listen.
To
wit:
(ed. Note: the original
punctuations and spellings have been left intact)
July 3rd, 1776:
“The Second Day of July 1776,
will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America – I am apt to believe 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 Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End
of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more….I am well
aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this
Declaration, and support and defend these States.”
We
should consider Adams’ perspective when we
stop and consider the precious gift of our freedom and what we have lost in
blood and treasure in the pursuit and defense of our independence. We should
not disengage from the emotional component of democracy, and we should
contemplate giving thanks for the opportunities we have been given.
Let
us celebrate our nation with all the fanfare we can muster.
Perhaps
if we celebrate as Adams’ suggests we can agree on our common heritage and
decide to move forward together, so that as a nation we can confidently “secure
the Blessings of Liberty
to ourselves and our Posterity”
We
owe ourselves, our nation, and her posterity no less.
Happy
July 4th and may God continue to bless all of America!
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