Guest article by Ben Gilmore
“The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing” [Edmond Burke]
“ …a Freeman contending for Liberty on his own ground is superior to any slavish mercenary on earth.”—George Washington, General Orders, 1776
Last weekend in Washington, American vets were contending for Liberty on their own ground (Blockaded War Memorials) vs. government employees, also Americans, being paid to harass them.
I submit, that such employees, sold their American heritage of liberty, for a paycheck. That sends chills to my heart.
Those who have studied the history of tyranny will recognize the pattern of enslavement. Like the frog in the pot that enjoys the warming water and does not jump out until it is too late.
First, the tyrant will smile and nudge. As the citizen grows accustomed to accepting external direction, the tyrant increases from nudge to push. Again, the citizen chooses to submit, rather than make a scene. Should he object to the push, he is asked, “Why object now when you did not object before?”
American citizens are now being brazenly shoved by public servants who are employed by us!!! Our American system of government was specifically designed to defend – NOT CHALLENGE – the liberty of its citizens.
“All men are in a natural state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons as they think fit, within the bounds of the laws of nature”. [my paraphrase of Locke].
“… That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” [Declaration of Independence]
It appears to me that the Administration is shoving harder and harder, trying to ignite a violent reaction to which they (the Administration) can respond with overwhelming force. The assumed purpose of such action would be to intimidate the citizens.
This must not be. America is a nation of laws. The citizens are unorganized. We would lose a violent rebellion, if (like last weekend) organized government employees will turn against citizens in exchange for a paycheck.
American colonists struggled for years to avoid a violent solution to government over reach. The war for independence was fought in self-defense, not rebellion. Let us win that struggle this time without bloodshed. We are very close to winning this skirmish. We have the tools of bloodless victory. Let us use them.
An informed citizen is an empowered citizen. I encourage everyone to take an interest in current events, Ask questions, listen. This is not a game. Liberty and slavery are in a battle for the soul of America.
Talk to friends and neighbors. Form small discussion groups. Begin a “blog” like this one among your friends and family. The ability to reason is a gift to humans from God. Use it to cut through the hype and reach your INDEPENDENT conclusions.
Hugo Grotius, a smart Dutchman (1583 – 1654) said it this way –
Ben Gilmore has been a Korean War era fighter pilot, Youth with a Mission evangelist, and political candidate and activist. For the last thirty years or so, Ben has actively pursued and taught America’s Christian history and government. With his dear wife Fran, accomplished scholar and writer, the Gilmores founded ACH Study Groups. These courses prepare Christians to think and act in practical, systematically Biblical, relational terms regarding our civil responsibilities. Ben also serves as media spokesman for NPI’s new title by Mary-Elaine Swanson John Locke: Philosopher of American Liberty. You may contact Ben at [email protected].
This essay originally published by ACH Study Groups as a part of an e-newsletter, October 15, 2013.
© 2013 Used by Permission
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