Real Patriots Ask Questions: We remember our Founding Fathers

     Real Patriots ask questions. I always remembered that from a book authored by Carl Sagan. Sagan may not have anything to do with our independence day, but his statement is definitely relevant. Our founding fathers did just that, they asked questions.





     Not only of tyrannical governments or fanatical religious dogmas, but of themselves. They answered them with reason and their convictions to be free men, and for all free men to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.  I wonder how many people actually recall the true meaning of this day as they are caught up with family and their own traditions of celebration.  I feel sometimes as history continues, things become lost.  One of the most important things a country can possess is its honor. Not so much a kind of pride that weakens, but humbly understanding the true gift we possess as Americans.  Also meditating on how we were given this gift.  Not only from the learned founding fathers, but also from the ordinary people who were willing to die for freedom.  The average man, who within himself knows no difference between his heart and the heart of any other man, regardless of status.  In a sense, being truly free can be seen as a religion in itself.  Every human seeks freedom.  Whether it is from the slavery of other men, the tyranny of kings, or a struggle within the self, we long for these obstacles to cease from its iron grip on our soul.  These and other ideas were the brainstorm in the minds of the founders.  They understood the complexities of humanity and the dangers that can conceive from it.  This is why in particular the separation of church and state is so important.  We don't need a theocracy, a state religion for all.  We allow for all to be recognized, regardless of religion or non religious belief, we all share the same human need to be free.  If you truly look upon your neighbor as your brother and share his welfare as your own, you haven't done it for treasures in heaven but for the rights of men you have sown.


By: Jacob Hinson