1776 & The Price Of Human Liberty

On the 4th of July, 1776, America celebrated its opening Day of Independence. The official declaration of this independence was authored by Thomas Jefferson. Thenceforth, it has served mankind by acknowledging man’s God-given right to freedom. The American Declaration of Independence is more than a claim of secession by a group of colonies from its motherland; it is a profound and thoughtful treatise on man’s natural right to self government. This theory, though commonplace in the minds of 21st century Americans, was considered radical by the standards of 1776. America’s Founding Fathers drew inspiration from the great thinkers of the European Enlightenment. The writings of John Locke and Edmund Burke firmly established the Founders’ belief in the inalienable rights of humankind. These rights of life, liberty and the lawful pursuit of happiness were as dear to the Founders as the nation they now hoped would promote them. They believed that the role of government was to secure these rights, and that all powers granted to it must be derived from the consent of the governed.

In 1788, after a long and bloody revolution, the Founding Fathers established the United States Constitution. This new American system was specifically designed to ensure the people’s right to self government and to limit the advance of tyranny. It was created as a tool to implement the visions expressed by the Founders in July of 1776.

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln confirmed the supremacy of the Declaration of Independence in a eulogy to fallen heroes. In his Gettysburg Address, the President explained how eighty-seven years prior, on the 4th of July, the Founders had established a nation “conceived in liberty” and “dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal”. The Civil War, though catastrophic in its effects, was a necessary evil which would serve to further realize the dreams of the Declaration.

This week we celebrate the 234th anniversary of American Independence. Throughout these years our nation has steadily advanced the ideals set forth by the Founding Fathers. With each passing generation of Americans, these dreams move closer to becoming a reality. Great leaders and political movements have overcome incredible odds to achieve this heroic task. Hundreds of thousands of American soldiers have perished to defend these principles and to initiate their application abroad. Scores of leaders have risked their lives to ensure these realities at home. Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan, George Marshall and Susan B. Anthony are just a few examples of countless Americans who have dedicated their lives to advance the human condition and to promote the cause of Independence.

This week, as we celebrate America’s independence as a nation, let us be mindful that we also celebrate mankind’s independence from tyranny. Let us not be troubled by the current state of our cause, for it is within our power to reverse it. Let us find strength to defend our liberties, even as our government seeks to diminish them. Let us find solace in our ability to spread freedom, even as our enemies seek to destroy it. As we are a nation born of war, in pursuit of man’s natural rights, let us take pride in our country’s accomplishments thus far and find the will to continue the fight. Each generation of Americans has a duty to further invest in their freedom. This 4th of July, let us solemnly swear that we will not grow complacent in our cause; that we will fight to advance the human condition, as did generations before us.

As Thomas Jefferson famously said, “The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” We must retain this vigilance or suffer the consequences. It is imperative that our generation speak out against the dangers of big government rule, for tyranny can only exist when people of good conscience remain silent. Although the price of freedom is exceedingly high, it is our duty to ensure its survival.

Jeremy Pitcoff

Smithtown Republican Committeeman