By Delegate Bob Marshall
As we mark our Nation's birthday on July 4th, we might benefit by reflecting on the words of American Patriot Thomas Paine:
"These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by 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 too lightly: it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as freedom should not be highly rated. . . ."
It is easy to be discouraged when we consider that today there are threats to Liberty, coming not just from hostile foreign powers, but also from federal judges as well as indolent Members of Congress and state legislators who prefer to "go along to get along," rather than stand up for the Rights that come from our Creator.
Think back to the fact that our Founders measured their grievances against Great Britain by the "Laws of Nature and Nature's God." And further, that they placed their hope and success for the war efforts, on "a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."
We must do the same. Happy Independence Day!
Posts
