While I write about the environment and immigration much of the time, I also interview Americans on their take on what we face as a civilization.   You may find yourself agreeing with a regular American named Robert M. Smith from Spring Branch, Texas.  He gives his understanding from the gut.  He puts it into perspective.

 

“We’ve all heard the expression “Freedom is not Free”, usually followed by we support the troops or some other slogan glorifying the military,” said Smith. “While it is true freedom isn’t free, freedom has very little to do with the military, and nothing to do with interfering in the affairs of other governments, Iraq, Afghanistan, Viet Nam, Korea, Nicaragua, etc. Freedom begins in the heart of each individual, each family and the education of the children in those families by their fathers and mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers, not indoctrination in government schools. It is the ability to keep the rewards and bread of one’s labor and toil. Freedom is treating your fellow man like you want to be treated.

 

“Freedom is not encroaching upon what is your neighbor’s and your neighbor not encroaching upon what is yours. Freedom is giving to the needy as you can, not a government welfare redistribution of what is yours to someone else.  Freedom is not war, debt, taxes, or imprisonment or fines for breaking a “law” (a legality) in which no other human being or another’s property is not harmed. (Prohibition of alcohol, or smoking a joint) Freedom is self governance, responsibility for self, for your household, and allowing your neighbor the same.

 

“The world has always had its bad guys and always will. The war on communism, the war on terror, and the war on drugs have nothing to do with freedom. Wars on religions and ideologies are not going to produce freedom. Freedom is not fear. Americans love to tout “the land of the free and home of the brave” but there is truly little freedom and true bravery in America and it is almost a thing of the past. The greatest destroyers and threats to freedom we as Americans face is the United States Government (along with State governments), its police and military apparatus, the Federal Reserve, and our own apathy, ignorance, stupidity, greed, and cowardice.

 

“Huge powerful central governments and large standing armies/navies have throughout history abused and destroyed their own people and the people of other countries. We are stupid, arrogant, and full of hubris to think our situation will be different. “We the People”, have allowed this to happen, encouraged it, and even participated in our own demise. Our fore Fathers warned “We the People” but we failed to heed the warnings. Look at your children and grandchildren, cry and mourn for what we have left them. It won’t be the government nor the military which saves them as these represent the forces and enforcers of the tyranny descending upon us, our children and grandchildren.”

 

“The liberties of our Country, the freedom of our civil constitution are worth defending at all hazards: And it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair Inheritance from our worthy Ancestors: They purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood; and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle; or be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men. Of the latter we are in most danger at present: Let us therefore be aware of it. Let us contemplate our forefathers and posterity; and resolve to maintain the rights bequeathed to us from the former, for the sake of the latter. — Instead of sitting down satisfied with the efforts we have already made, which is the wish of our enemies, the necessity of the times, more than ever, calls for our utmost circumspection, deliberation, fortitude, and perseverance. Let us remember that "if we suffer tamely a lawless attack upon our liberty, we encourage it, and involve others in our doom." It is a very serious consideration, which should deeply impress our minds, that millions yet unborn may be the miserable sharers of the event.” – Samuel Adams

 

“Conservatives, Liberals, Republicans, and Democrats alike are destroyers of the Constitution, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (property),” said Smith. “Congress, the President, and the Courts are dog and pony shows, selfish, self-interested, elitists. The media, including Fox, are lap dogs to one group or another, and none of these groups truly understands freedom nor do they truly promote it. There is no “fair and balanced” in the media.”

 

Socialism needs two legs on which to stand; a right [Republican] and a left [Democrat]. While appearing to be in complete opposition to one another, they both march in the same direction.  Paul Proctor 

Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!   -Patrick Henry to the Virginia House of Burgesses, 1775

 

Single acts of tyranny may be ascribed to the accidental opinion of a day. But a series of oppressions, begun at a distinguished period, and pursued unalterably through every change of ministers, too plainly proves a deliberate systematic plan of reducing us to slavery. – Thomas Jefferson

 

If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. – James Madison (1751-1836), 4th U.S. President

 

The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure." Thomas Jefferson

 

“So, what should be done, what can be done?” asked Smith.  “What do we owe our posterity? When do we start? Time is short, get your heads out and get on board. Educate yourselves, spread the word. Study Jury nullification, civil disobedience (hopefully non-violent), and realize that the problems are not going to go away. Realize the government will do nothing but continue to grow more and more belligerent as time passes and this militaristic police state is going to turn on its own.”

 

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