I see I’ve been slacking when it comes to keeping my blog updated. I just watched a documentary of the War of 1812 and with Independence Day coming up here in the United States it really inspired me to put these thoughts on my blog today. If you’re like me, you may only remember the War of 1812 for Francis Scott Key and The Star-Spangled Banner. There’s much more to the story which I had either forgotten about, or never learned in high school.
Did you know that in the first major confrontation with the U.S. Army in the War of 1812 the British actually had a big victory that sent our troops running with their tails between their legs? Did you know that President Madison ordered all the important documents such as the Declaration of Independence removed from Washington then fled with all government figures because of the possibility of the British troops actually invading our nation’s Capital? And did you know that that the Brits actually walked into the White House and drank wine and ate from our president’s table? The British General also took the president’s love letters to Dolly Madison with him as he left the White House.
The Battle of Baltimore is the one we all remember since this is when Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that soon became our national anthem. We were outgunned and outnumbered and our troops along with a local militia somehow managed to defend Fort McHenry. There was a shell fired by a British gunship that struck our powder magazine which held over 250,000 pounds of gunpowder. That would have left us with no ammunition, but the shell failed to explode, allowing us to withstand a 25 hour bombardment from British ships that were too far away to coordinate with their land forces. Unable to break through our harbor defenses, the Brits eventually set sail in retreat.
Then came the battle of New Orleans, which I didn’t even recall as part of a war that ultimately played out over three major fronts on land and sea right here on our own soil. Outnumbered again more than three to one, General Andrew Jackson rallied the troops and civilians to hold the line in a successful defense that’s remembered to this day as the most lopsided battle in military history. The Brits had 2,042 Casualties (291 killed, 1267 wounded, 484 captured). The U.S. only had 71 casualties (13 dead, 39 wounded, 19 missing). Somehow, against all odds, we managed to overcome the most powerful army of that time and maintain our independence once again.
Why am I sharing all this with you? Because I see myself as a true patriot. I believe in the principles, shared by freedom loving people around the world, which made this country great. When I continue to study the rich lessons of history, I see a country that pulled together against all odds, held true to their convictions and upheld what is right and true. I’m touched with pride to know that as an American, I’m cut from the same cloth as leaders who were considered radicals over 200 years ago.
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America, were written by men that were inspired and a hell of a lot smarter than anyone we have in Washington today. Ben Franklin said, “we gave you a constitution, let’s see how long you can keep it.” Today our lawmakers don’t even pay attention to this sacred document that was written for the people and by the people.
It’s time we all take a stand and get involved before it’s too late. Regardless of your political views, you know things are very wrong with our country. I’ll use the words of Wayne Allen Root, WMI’s Senior Economic Advisor, and encourage you to “throw the bums out.” Most lawmakers are in the good old boys club… “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.” How can we expect change if we keep putting the same lawmakers who have sold us out back into office time and time again? It makes no sense and it’s called insanity. Look at where we are today:
- More debt than any of us could have ever even imagined. This puts a hangman’s noose around the necks of my children and grandchildren and they had nothing to do with it.
- Thousands of lives lost in the last decade in senseless wars we can neither afford nor win and should never have been involved with in the first place.
- With the swipe of a pen, The Patriot Act was signed into law, taking away countless liberties we may never get back. Stop and think about all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice over the past 200 years to ensure our liberties and freedoms. Betcha they’d be proud to see where we are today.
- We are now a handout nation that rewards poor performance and bad behavior. Me, you, the worker bees and taxpayers bail out failing non-competitive companies along with citizens that do nothing for our society. They don’t work. They don’t contribute in any way, yet again, the worker bees take care of them.
I could go on and on but I think you get my drift here. Something is terribly wrong and we’re the only ones who can fix it. Each 4th of July I read the Declaration of Independence and each time I’m overcome with emotion when I realize that each individual who signed that document did so with the knowledge that it would mean certain death if they failed in their quest for independence. I encourage you to read it this weekend and my guess is you too will understand where I’m coming from.
Get involved and make sure your voice is heard by your lawmakers in Washington. Let’s oust the socialist agenda that is taking over our country with this administration and put the power back into the hands of the doers and the worker bees. Entrepreneurial spirit and true freedom is what made this country great. Let’s do all we can to bring it back! Pink Floyd, one of my favorite rock bands of all time, said it best in one or my favorite songs…”Together we stand, divided we fall.” Truer words were never spoken.
‘Til Next time!!!
Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 9:46AM 
