We must regain our independence
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Samuel Young
Published: July 5, 2008
Two hundred and thirty two years ago a people unified under the common cause of liberty and self determination pressed forward from tyranny to declare independence.
This effort, so eloquently enumerated within the Declaration of Independence, struck down not only the dependence of a collective of colonies from a distant power, but also independence of free people to
pursue life and liberty within their own right and to the best of their ability, free from the constrains of government; both foreign and domestic. “Be all you can be” is a phrased coined by the Army.
How have we fared as a nation and as a people now?
Our nation is dependent, not independent, upon other nations for its energy due to negligence and the languid attention of a Congress not held accountable by the people.
Many of our children will be dependent, not independent, because only seven of 10 will graduate from high school — unheard of a generation ago. What shall we call our legacy?
A worthy people who can proudly look in the mirror knowing their strength was drawn from within, or a people counted among those that took aid when they could, stood on past laurels, failing to teach a
new generation the meaning and dignity of hard work, self reliance, and self determination?
Each of us should strive to regain that which won our independence and moved us westward into the wilderness seeking freedom, liberty and opportunity. That which only the human spirit can achieve and
not through the intersession of government.
SAMUEL YOUNG
Woodbridge
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Posted by ( raywilliams ) on July 08, 2008 at 4:04 pm
willow - it is more like “Keep electing me and I will tell you whose to blame for your needs/wishes/desires not being met”. In America, we do not vote for the candidate of our choice, but more often we vote “against” the other guy.
Still, all in all, not a bad country to live in. And magicman, sorry you are not getting the service you deserve. The casualties in Iraq are not the ones that gave their lives, but the ones that survive to be ignored. Too bad you were not a NFL hero or a cute 20-something that could be paraded to the press. THEN you’d be getting some service!
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Posted by ( willow703 ) on July 08, 2008 at 11:34 am
I’ve been retired from the military for 31 years. I’ve watched for more than 50 years as politician after politician has said to the people, “I will lower your taxes” or “I will give you more of the services you want, but do not need” or “I will ask for less sacrifice, because I feel your pain”.
Remember, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.“? That was 48 years ago, and people are still asking, “What can my country do for me?“ Again, don’t blame Congress. They are merely answering that question with, “Your country can do everything and more for you. Keep electing me and I will see that it does, no matter what the cost.“
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Posted by ( magicman ) on July 07, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Willow:
I served my Country and am retired Navy and also am a Disabled Veteran. I have been paying taxes, and as a mater of fact the Veterans Administration owes me back pay and 40 more percent from service connected injuries. I am not happy with Congress and I blame them and our Government for not taking care of the veterans. They paint a picture as if we are getting the best care, but it is not true. My claim will eventually be finished, but due to the lack of manpower (so they keep saying,) I am on hold. Yup we have a great Government once you have been expended.
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Posted by ( willow703 ) on July 06, 2008 at 10:20 am
Two hundred & thirty-two years ago people did not unite for the common causes of liberty & self-determination. Many people refused to pay for the cost of the war or serve in the military forces. Many fought for King George III. The Continental Congress gave little support to the Continental Army. States refused the services of “their” militias, most of which were merely social clubs.
Had it not been for France which, in the interest of France, came to our aid, this nation would have been still-born.
Today, people refuse to serve in this nation’s military or to pay for its upkeep. Neither will they pay for the expansion & upkeep of this nation’s vital infrastructure or the security of its borders.
Don’t blame Congress. Congress only reflects the spirit exhibited by the people.
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