By Steve Grant
As we celebrate Independence Day in July it is a hallowed time. The declaration declared independence from the British Empire, and eventually freed the United States of America from the most powerful empire in the world. What did the declaration say? Most people say it was about “taxation without representation.” The list of grievances is far longer than that. How do they relate to us today? You might be surprised if you read it.
We will begin with the preamble and then contrast a few of the grievances the colonies held against the British crown. Governmental bonds were dissolved for these reasons.
IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America
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, —
Our current government believes they are above you and me, entitled, privileged, and able to tax, seize and control our very lives. The Laws of Nature and Nature’s God are ignored. Rights now come only from the government.
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. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
Is it the right of the people to abolish the current government and institute a new one? Are abuses documented that take liberty from the governed?
Grievances
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
· The Federal government does not enforce border security. They destroyed “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” without a vote. The Patriot Act, NDAA and other laws clearly illustrate their control.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
· The Federal government filed suit against Arizona, for taking on responsibilities they themselves would not perform.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.
· The Federal government has lied about their knowledge of lawbreaking in the Fast and Furious crimes. Obama has used Executive Privilege to shield Eric Holder, and the Department of Justice will not arrest him.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
· IRS, ATF, EPA, Department of Education, Energy, Housing and Urban Development and hundreds more are graphic examples of this atrocity.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
· Congress presently has no power to declare war or peace. It has been perpetual for decades.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
· What more needs to be said? This happens every day in our government.
Take some time during this month to read the Declaration of Independence in its entirety. Then ask yourself this question: are we free, or are we slaves? It’s time to think carefully about the answer and its implications. Let freedom ring!
The Salt and Light 