Liberating Documents

By Tammy Derouin

I look at the current state of our country and how those in government have manipulated the American people, over the past several years, into thinking that a strong, centralized power is what's best for the United States. That's exactly why we declared our independence.

Our government has way too much power and control over our lives. But, it's our own fault. We stopped paying attention and tyranny slowly began to take hold. We've watched as government has increased regulations, deceived the public and it certainly appears that our country was intentionally made vulnerable to our enemies for eight long years.

Why do so many Americans want to walk back into enslavement? Chances are, they have not read the liberating documents which establish their freedom and protect their God-given rights as free individuals.

We are currently living in a great divide, a divide caused by individuals, a prior administration which attempted to undermine the American way of life. Our situation would not have gotten this bad had the signs been understood. Many tried to expose them and did, but far too many ignored or refused to see what was really taking place.

The colonist faced a great divide as well. Do you remain loyal to your oppressor; the one who provides for you but keeps you enslaved or do you break free and live with uncertainty and the ability to forge your own path? Freedom demands responsibility. It is not the responsibility of the government to provide the citizens with their daily needs.

The colonist didn't ask for their independence or freedom; they declared it. They declared to the world why it was necessary to break ties with Great Britain. This was not a decision which was taken lightly. “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.” The Declaration of Independence.

After declaring their independence, they listed their grievances so the world would understand what led them to break free. “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.” The Declaration of Independence.

The very first injury and usurpation is a noticeable reflection to our present day. The Declaration of Independence states, “He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good!” Others include, “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.” “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:” There is a long list under this category which includes, “For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:”

Take a few minutes to read the Declaration of Independence. You will be amazed at some very striking similarities to the injustices which have taken place in our recent history. It is shocking to see where we once were and what was done to correct our enslavement, compared to where we are now, in present day, and the lack of understanding and or desire to make corrections.

One of the last grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence stands out now, more than ever, “He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.” Indeed, something to ponder as you hear of terrorist attacks taking place on American streets.

Signing your name on such a document and taking up arms against oppression and tyranny was treason and punishable by death. King George III stated his definition of treason, “A traitor is everyone who does not agree with me." How interesting. When a society is ruled by man rather than by law, you get laws by proclamation which can shift as easily as the wind.

These past several years have been extremely difficult to comprehend. The executive branch was becoming a centralized power. We have watched attack after attack on our rights and freedoms as well as our founding principles. The Declaration of Independence should serve as an eye opening reminder of why our forefathers declared themselves independent and free.

“There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!”

John Hancock