American Independence
There's a little cemetery in rural Louisiana, not far from Fort Polk. In that cemetery, yesterday, I visited the grave of Ben Beeson. My family has regaled me with stories about him for as long as I can remember. He hopped a train as young man and travelled out west where he lived the life of an authentic cowboy. He would say years later that the movies had it wrong, that it was a hard and very dirty existence. Ben went on to fight in World War I, and became a deputy sheriff. I remember him as Pa Pa Ben, my great grandfather. He and I were buddies, forever getting into mischief and getting in trouble; him for giving me candy and trinkets when we visited him at the VA Hospital, and me for asking for asking for the stuff in the first place.
On the night that Neil Armstrong landed on the moon, we got a call from my grandmother saying that while our guys made it to the moon, "Pa Pa passed them up," on his way to Heaven. I was 7 years old, and his funeral hurt harder than anything I could imagine. My Mom tells me I'm getting more like him as time passes. He lived an adventurous life, he could weave a story that kept those around him spellbound, and he loved to laugh. I was given his name as my middle name (he was moved to tears when my parents told him this), and I named my son after him.
Yesterday, I met my son, Ben, his girlfriend Peggy, and my Mom, for an afternoon trip. We travelled to a place our family calls the farm. Built in the 1930's by my great great grandparents, the family has maintained the house and the property, using it as get-a-way of sorts. A place for reunions, even a hurricane shelter as it is further inland than Lake Charles.
Yesterday, sitting in the living room, we could see the hand prints on the walls where Grandmother and Grandaddy Hinson held the boards in place while building their home. Looking about the place, visiting the graves of these singular people, I began to understand something about the American character. Pa Pa lived a life that some folks only dream about because as free man, that's what he decided to do. My great great grandparents built this special home that would become such an evocative refuge for their descendants through an act of self sufficient free will. There is something still there in the American DNA that simply rejects the smothering paternalism of a would-be ruler, be it from the banks of the Thames or the Potomac. John Adams said that,
"The Revolution was effected before the War commenced. The Revolution was in the minds and hearts of the people; a change in their religious sentiments of the duties and obligations... This radical change in their principles, opinions, sentiments, and affections of the people, was the real American Revolution."
I submit that this fire of independence is still there. Nancy, Harry, Barack, the professoriate, the elite media salons, and the hideous governing class have dismissed it at their peril. But this American spirit of independence flows strong through the hearts of people who are referred to with derision as residing in, "fly-over country."
Have you seen the moving YouTube video of the Marine NCO saluting at this year's Rolling Thunder veterans tribute in Washington DC? Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers held his salute for over 6 hours. Why? He says it was to pay tribute to America's veterans. Did you see the raw emotion and determination on his face? He also says that others can honor the sacrifice that has been made for them by making maximum use of their freedom to do good, to do right, to live up to the potential God gave them. So my question to Ricochet readers, subscribers, contributors, friends all, is what will YOU do? Apart from the barbecues, the fireworks, the prayers of thanks for living in such a great country, what will you do to insure it remains great and free? Every day should be Independence Day.
Remember, We the People own this country. Not the screwballs in Washington. Generations of brave men and women haven't sacrificed everything to secure the right of the government to lord over their lives, steal their earnings and bankrupt their children and grandchildren. If they think the tea parties have been a threat to their powerbase to this point, wait till November.
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Jun '10
Re: American Independence
Dave, I agree with you 100% about the character of the American people. We are the same self-sufficient, liberty loving, independent, can-do, people who first arrived on these shores. The foundation of our republic is built on three mighty pillars: Judeo-Christian morality, Greco-Roman philosophy, and Anglo-Saxon law. The first establishes our ideas about right and wrong. The second states that the truth is knowable to a disciplined and rational mind. And the third makes us all equal before the law. The neo-Marxist socialism we see today is just a johnny come lately fashion statement compared to our founding principles. This is why I have hope for a restoration of our beautiful republic.
You ask what each of us will do. I will stand as an advocate for the truths found in our founding principles. I will stand as a guardian of the republic I hold dear. I will not back down against the little tyrants who would usurp our rights as a free people for mean and base ends.
And now back to work. I have a cubic yard each of sand, gravel and manure to move before nightfall.
May '10
Re: American Independence
Dave, We can all honor those who came before us by simply remembering and acknowledging their sacrifices.
Over time we have come to take for granted the immense freedoms enjoyed by virtue of our American heritage. The long road to freedom and independence that marked the years leading to July 4, 1776, were conspicuous with the blood and sacrifice of those who fought for its realization. As we celebrate this Fourth of July we should remember those sacrifices as well as the countless others that have subsequently affirmed our liberties. As John Adams reflected in a letter to his wife Abigail, “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. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will triumph in that Days Transaction.”
Re: American Independence
Dave, I just watched the video with tears of gratitude in my eyes. Happy Independence Day.
Jun '10
Re: American Independence
I'm going to put in a plug for "overwhelming force," as violence prevention. I had an uncle, now deceased, who enlisted in the Navy during WW2, and ended up in the South Pacific. He and his shipmates were part of contingent of guys building a base on a South Pacific island, that the Americans had just cleaned the Japanese out of. The sailors had some time on their hands. He and a couple of friends thought they'd go out looking for some Japanese souvenirs. They talked back and forth as they walked. They didn't find much, but saw a few things near the opening of a cave. They examined them. "Junk." One guy picked up a tea pot, and dropped it immediately. They ran like hell. The tea pot was full and still boiling hot. Why didn't they get killed? They were helpless sitting ducks. There was something about that overwhelming force (waiting in the harbor) that made the Japanese stragglers suddenly appreciate peace and mercy. On this July 4th, let's hear it for peace and mercy.
Re: American Independence
Paules and Scott, thank you both for your thoughtful comments. Paules, when you mentioned that you had to go move some sand, gravel and manure, my immediate reaction was, "I didn't know Paules worked in politics!"
George, your reaction to the video of the Marine was identical to mine. I'm not generally the weepy sort, but the emotion and dedication on that young man's face really spoke volumes. If we as citizens can muster a fraction of the determination our troops call up each day, we will indeed save the republic. We can afford to do no less. The statist's utopian nightmare will end because ultimately, in America, freedom wins. And Happy Independence Day to you too. Here's to many more.
Re: American Independence
Dave, I took many things from this post, but one point in particular stood out for me. My three children, ages 6, 4, and 2, have lost two dear grandparents in the past 3 months. My husband and I are often most pained these days by the thought that they might not know or appreciate the wonderful lives of their paternal grandmother and maternal grandfather. Thank you for showing me how the vibrancy of a life well lived can make ripples long, long after death. Much thanks!
Jun '10
Re: American Independence
David Deming over at the American Thinker today makes the case for the Greco-Roman contribution to modernity. Worth a read.
And, Dave, if you're ever in the vicinity of Albuquerque/Santa Fe, drop me an email. I'd be glad to show you a little hospitality.