CLAIMING THE AMERICAN LEGACY
By Rep. Mike Morley
Nearly two hundred thirty-two years ago, our Founding Fathers declared their independence through Thomas Jefferson’s penning of the Declaration of Independence. This inspired document declared the thirteen American colonies to be a sovereign nation independent of British rule. It also declared the entitlements of the citizens of this new nation to be “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. It further states, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”. Equality is not measured by outcome, but by opportunity.
The Constitution of the United States was established for “the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty to [themselves] and to [their] posterity”. It is clear that, to the people of that time, there were a few specific rights that were absolutely paramount. These rights were directly related to individual freedoms and liberties which we still enjoy. These founding rights and principles constitute our only entitlements as citizens of the United States of America.
How important were these liberties to our founders? Patrick Henry said in 1775, “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
Freedom is not free, nor has it ever been. In 1776, Thomas Paine, reminded his generation and ours of the high price of freedom when he said, “These are the times that try mens souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny like hell is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap we esteem to lightly; ‘tis dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price on its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” From the Revolutionary War through the conflicts of the past two centuries and now in Iraq, the lives of men and women have been required to preserve the freedoms we often take for granted.
As we contemplate the freedoms and protection that are ours as citizens of this great land, blessing that come from God our Father, it is commensurate on us to do our part. How? by becoming actively involved in the process of government. On Tuesday, March 25, we each have the opportunity to attend our local mass meetings and be involved in government at it’s most basic level. The delegates elected on Tuesday night will represent our neighborhoods on the county and state level to choose candidates we will see on the ballots in November. If you’d like more information, please feel free to contact me at mikemorley@utah.gov.
|
|
