Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of American Independence, the defender of free thought against all forms of tyranny over the minds of men, enemy of Monkish Superstition and upholder of science, was too ill to attend the 50 year celebration of independence from England, one nation under God and its King Dei gratia, George.
To those assembled in Washington DC on July 4th 1826, he sent these words of hope that every anniversary of that certain day in 1776 “may be to the world, what I believe it will be -- to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all -- the signal of arousing men to burst the chains under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings and security of self-government. That form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
In this day, alas, when one man and one party has claimed the right to rule according to ancient texts and twisted interpretations, has shut the mouths that ask how, stifled the judges, challenged our right to assemble, to speak, to hear the truth, to be free from compulsion to follow the religious precepts of others; it is apparent that we have lost the dream and sold our birthright for a bowl of false security. The light of science has been drowned in superstition and corporate greed and above all, our right not to be held hostage by spurious, capricious and illegal wars has been stolen.
Jefferson envisioned us free of the booted and spurred few who would ride our backs with the help of established religion. Have we ever been further from the America of his dream?
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3 comments:
You know what Bush says: "Giddiup."
Great post Capt...
Of course, it seems like a large number of American's would rather "put on" the chains of superstition and empower them with the force of law. It's religion I speak of ...of course.
I was reading (and posting) to one such type on the "crushliberalism" blog... This guy is one of those that believes Washington, Jefferson, et al were Christians.
I am so amazed that revisionism has worked so well in the Christian community... Just goes to show once you buy into one set of irrational beliefs, you can buy any.
At least some of us will reflect on the true foundation of our republic.
I agree, Belief in believing makes you the prey of tyrants.
When the real history is lost, it's all lost
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