Each July 4th, these United States of America celebrates its independence from Great Britain with flag raisings, fireworks, barbeques, and parades. It is a time for family, fun, cherry pie in George, and a moment of remembrance, just a brief pause to ponder the Declaration of Independence before the distractions of the day. Mostly we think about the Introduction—“When in the Course of Human Events…” or the Preamble—“We hold these truths to be self-evident…” But rarely do we consider the causes, why it was necessary to “dissolve the political bands which have connected” one people to another.
The King is listed as the culprit, but by extension it included Parliament as well. After discussing the attempt to establish “an absolute Tyranny” over the colonies by making mandatory his assent to any laws that were passed before they could be enforced, then withholding that assent, the Founding Fathers enumerated some specific reasons for overthrowing the status quo and establishing a new government. This was done by unelected or corruptly elected representatives chosen by the King, who then passed the king’s agenda into laws not considered valid by the people in the colonies.
The colonies were effectively under martial law and the People were forced to house the military in their homes. These troops had immunity from prosecution in the civil courts for any crimes they might commit while in the Colonies.
The colonies were off from any international trade by the British navy.
Taxes were imposed without the consent of the governed.
Colonists were deprived of a jury trial, and defendants were often sent to England to stand trial.
Canada had been placed under absolute rule, abolishing English Common Law, with an appointed government and a land grab to enlarge British jurisdiction. The colonists feared this would be the pattern the King would follow in America. Rightfully so, since the King had taken away Colonial charters, abolished their laws and altered their form of government by suspending the lawfully elected legislatures and replacing them with puppet legislatures. The Colonies were declared “outlaw” and the King commenced warring against them by plundering the seas, ravaging the coastal communities, burned towns, and destroyed people’s lives. Mercenaries were being transported to America to complete the task of subjecting the colonists to the King. Sailors were kidnapped from ships at sea and forced to bear Arms against their fellow countrymen. Civil disturbances were instigated by the King’s agents, and some native tribes were encouraged to attack outlying settlements.
The colonist’s response had been one of patient resolve to solve the problems through diplomatic and political means. In their own words “In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.”
What would life have been like without the American Revolution? What would the world have been like? What will it be like if we lose our Constitutional bearings and the Bill of Rights? At this time of year, and in this unprecedented election year, we should consider these questions most carefully as we decide the fate of our Nation. Who is the most constitutionally correct candidate before us? Which piece of legislation, which referendum, or which initiative is the most constitutionally correct? Blood was spilt, lives lost, fortunes spent, and families were destroyed over these issues. Respect and reverence demands that we spend time to learn what we have been given and to act accordingly when a choice is placed before us. Happy Fourth of July!
