I intend to go mushy on you for the next three ZGrams over this Fourth of July weekend - which I believe to be the ***last*** celebration of a very fragile "freedom" of this bloody century if not millennium.
I know that some of you believe my calendar to be askew - some arguing that the millennium has already begun, others equally convinced that we still have a full year's worth of "time credit".
To me, the zenith of 1999 has passed, and now the days are getting shorter and darker. If we don't pause and treasure now what we still have - when will we?
Ever?
The content below came from a close friend of mine on the eve of the Fourth of July:
Those of us who hold this to be our greatest national holiday and have that obsolete notion that patriotism is a worthwhile emotion and attitude will like to read this.
The fourth of July is our favorite holiday. It is a time when all of us gather together under the warmth of the California sun, to eat, drink and revel with our families. We read patriotic speeches in honor of the men who signed their names and pledged their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to fight for freedom and equality before the law.
But there is another anniversary, overshadowed by the events of the fourth, we would bring to your attention. That is July 2, 1776, the day the Continental Congress voted to declare independence and set in motion those events we celebrate this weekend.
John Adams--whose role in setting those revolutionary events in motion has abated in the public memory over time-- thought July 2 ought to be commemorated as America's "day of deliverance" from the shackles of British tyranny.
Adams wrote two letters to his beloved wife, Abigail, the day after the historic resolution to declare independence and embark upon the greatest experiment in free government the world has ever known. They are an inspiration.
"Through all the gloom," Adams wrote, "I can see the rays of light and glory; I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph...
Philadelphia, July 3, 1776
Morning
..Yesterday the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was or will be decided among Men. A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony
". . . that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all the other acts and things which other states may rightfully do."
You will see in a few days a declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man. A plan of confederation will be taken up in a few days.(...)
Britain has been fill'd with Folly and America with Wisdom, at least this is my judgment--time must determine. It is the will of Heaven that the two countries should be sundered forever. It may be the will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting and distressing yet more dreadful.
If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect, at least: it will inspire us with many virtues, which we have not, and correct many errors, follies, and vices, which threaten to disturb, dishonor, and destroy us.
The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals. And the new governments we are assuming, in every part, will require a purification from our vices and an augmentation of our virtues or they will be no blessings.
The people will have unbounded power. And the people are extremely addicted to corruption and venality, as well as the great. I am not without apprehensions from this quarter, but I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence, in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.
Philadelphia, July 3, 1776
Evening
The second day of July, 1776, will be a memorable epocha in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations, as the great Anniversary Festival.
It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp, shews, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of the continent to the other, from this time forward forever.
You will think me transported with enthusiasm; but I am not. I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states. Yet, through all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and glory; I can see that the end is more than worth all the means, and that posterity will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I hope we shall not.
John Adams
Thought for the Day:
"The contest for ages has been to rescue liberty from the grasp of executive power."
(Daniel Webster)