It’s a great time to reflect on things- freedom, liberty, independence — some folks were/are not included in those things.
Recent example is Colin Kaepernick kneeling at the National Anthem- the whole thing was dismissed because of not comprehending the facts. First fact is some people being offended by perceived insult (it isn’t) is more important than a death of a black person. Second fact is the flag is a symbol of liberty and our nation’s common goals. No, the pledge of allegiance — there is actually not liberty and justice — for all. Not even close. Third fact is people want to believe it is reality we have liberty equally by osmosis, endowed by our creator- for all of us, when it isn’t.
So, protesting is now the enemy (back when, too), even when the Bill of rights states our people have a right to assemble and petition the government for the redress of grievances. Now that is the same right as others that Congress shall make no law to prohibit, abridge or establish- the same way the 2A folks get worked up about it, there are other words well regulated militia being necessary. So people who make it essential to keep and bear arms, it is even more essential to elect Congress and Exec. who would not make protesting, freedom of press, DOJ, U.S. Military something to use against the people, who are the ones who elect representatives that govern by their consent.
Declaration of Independence (which we celebrate today)
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
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When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
I bolded above quote for emphasis. It goes on, but today I would like to send a message to the voters and the press today, please read and disperse this idea as often as necessary until we get the actual liberty and justice for all. That goes well beyond fireworks and monuments- it is fundamental to our nation to realize the things that create equality under the laws and justice system, which of late has been on display to show the truth- it isn't realized — yet.
I have a lot of hope in the future, but looking back… we have allowed rationale to keep the rebel symbols of Confederacy for too, too long. I think we are just starting to do right, protest is not the only form of taking things into hands through non violent means that are effective to actual change and enact those things we claim. Wars are replaced by voting. Unfortunately we have to eliminate the obstructions and I hope for a united front to oppose those obstructors and replace them with those who represent us all.