The Widsom of our Fathers

I dare say that there has not been a more inspirational and awe inspiring generation than that of our founding fathers.  In the course of human history men of such wisdom and character are very rare indeed.  One would think that a nation built on such a tradition of wisdom and foresight would seek to stay the course set forth by such men.  Why then is it that our leaders seek “Change” at the expense of Liberty and Common Sense, ignoring the words and wisdom of those great founding fathers?  Today, history has become a friend to the wise and something to be feared, changed, trampled, hidden or ignored by those who would seek to “Change” our Nation into the very antithesis of those principles on which it was built.

As one looks at writings of the 56 signers of the Declaration Of Independence, it readily becomes apparent the type of Government our Founding Fathers envisioned.  Their writings are inspiring, insightful and at times almost prophetic.  As I have been reading the letters, writings and speeches of these men, I have started posting quotes from their works on Facebook.  In my reading I am humbled by the fact that these men believed in these principles so strongly that they were willing to risk everything.  I think it important that all Americans remember that these men suffered and died for the principles of Religious freedom, Liberty, Limited Government, The Right to Life and The Pursuit of Happiness.  At the threat of death they fought to throw off a Tyrant and establish a Government unique to any other in human history.

Five of these men were captured by the British  and tortured as traitors before they died.  Nine died fighting in the Revolutionary War.  Twelve lost their homes as the British ransacked and burned them to the ground. Two lost their sons in service to the Continental Army.. 

Twenty four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated. But they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

Carter Braxton of Virginia, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Royal Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags.

Thomas McKean of Delaware was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward.

Vandals, soldiers, or both, looted the properties of Ellery of Rhode Island, Clymer of Pennsylvania, Hall of Georgia, Walton of Georgia, Gwinnett of Georgia, Heyward of South Carolina, Ruttledge of South Carolina, and Middleton of South Carolina.

At the Battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., of Virginia, noted that the British General Cornwallis had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. Nelson quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

Francis Lewis of New York had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months.

John Hart of New Jersey was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his grist mill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart. Lewis Morris of New York and Philip Livingston of New York suffered similar fates.

Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were among prominent Americans well known in England. Yet both signed enthusiastically, knowing that they would be hanged if caught.  Even if they escaped, Jefferson was risking Monticello and Franklin his wealth and world prestige if independence was not secured.

What a disservice, what a tragedy and what a crime it is that our educational system does not teach with enthusiasm and fervor the stories of our Founding Fathers.  My prayer is that the passion and beliefs of these great men would once again rise up in the American people and that we as a nation would return to the Nation envisioned by those who formed it.  If not I fear that the words of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington will come to pass:

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." -- Abraham Lincoln

“No country upon earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wondrously strange, then, and much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means and to depart from the road which Providence has pointed us to so plainly.”--  George Washington

You either believe in the wisdom of the Founders or stand in opposition to their principles and the foundation on which our country stands.  It is obvious that our current President has little regard for those who have come before him and on whose shoulders he stands.  Will this administration be the final departure “from the road which Providence has pointed us to?”  I pray that it is not so, but I fear that the day may soon be upon us that Samuel Adams spoke of when he said; “If ever a time should come, when vain and aspiring men shall possess the highest seats in Government, our country will stand in need of its experienced patriots to prevent its ruin.”