A More Perfect Union – (VNV 4th of July Message) The founders of the Colonies contemplated the meanings of freedom and democracy for over 150 years before the signing of the declaration of independence. They took the subject seriously and probably thought about it more thoroughly than it’s been thought about by most, for a very long time. One thing you really notice, they chose their words carefully and respectfully, as a rule. Thet saw themselves as part of something much larger than themselves that operated on either natural or God given principles that when understood and practiced made for great things. They did not see themselves as great, but practiced things that made made things great. In the opening of the Constitution they chose four words which were very telling…. “a more perfect union…” An interesting choice of words, which implies better and better, but has no absolute end. Better and better being the nature of things if you learned nature’s lessons. Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness being everyone’s right and responsibility. Respect for and understanding of those rights, a never ending journey in personal growth and growth as a nation. It’s been said in many ways, “There are no great people, only great ideas.” This has been noted by many through time and it’s pretty much right on. Another concept quite true, “We become what we think about.” This is true of individuals and nations. Under this notion, choosing thoughts, words and ideas carefully seems of paramount importance. There are bad ideas and everything we think is not true. In looking back over the past few hundred years, we might look back and see the positive evolution of a people and a nation based on really great principles of freedom or we can look back and see only the mistakes and errors of a people and condemn the whole works. Throw out the baby with the bath. A common error in human thinking. A cup, well over half full, but throw it all away. All or nothing thinking is one of the many follies of the mind. We the people have a lot of work to do, but if we start clearing our minds, getting back to reality checking and the basics of how things really work, dump the tyrannical notions of perfection, immediate gratification and shoulds and shouldn’t have beens… quit arguing and condemning so much and use our differences to formulate high order solutions, rather than half assed,….. then we have hundreds of years more of positive growth ahead of us. The mission remains the same. A more and more perfect union… the learning and work is never done. Actually gives us a lot to look forward to. ************************************************************************************** Now, I had a little fun with a very short, alternative story to the Revolution. So there they were…. April 18th, 1775. Intelligence had it that the British were about to move out of Boston to Lexington and Concord. One of their objectives, was to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Paul Revere, who was a key player in the setting up of an intelligence and alarm system, was waiting on word as to whether by land or sea, the British would be approaching. Once known, a lantern or two would be lit according to their approach, in the bell tower of the North Church and he and several others would ride off for Lexington and Concord to warn folks that the redcoats were on their way. Around 9 or 10 p.m., he learned they were coming by boats, signaled for two lanterns in the tower and was about to mount his horse, when who should come along but George Washington and Ben Franklin. Washington knew he was in line for heading up the continental army and would probably be assigned the task that summer, but didn’t like the idea. Seemed a good way to cause a giant ruckus and maybe even get hurt. He figured that if he played along with the British he would end up with a comfortable and powerful position in the colonies. Washington spotted Revere about to mount his horse and yelled, “Hey Paul, forget it.” Revere stood down, but was amazed. “What?” Was all he could say. “Ya,” said Franklin, “We’ve been thinking and decided to call the whole thing off, that it better to be red than dead.” The air was silent. About that time, Patrick Henry joined the group and asked, “what’s up?” Washington explained that they had come to the decision to scrap the idea of independence, reinforcing the notion that they believed freedom was risky business and did not promise absolute solutions to anything. Therefore, it was better to be red than dead, rather then taking such great risks with only the promise of a lot of hard work, vexing problems and no final resting place. Besides, the British weren’t that bad. Henry resisted the notion and they began to argue heatedly. Henry argued the infinite value of free minds and spirits and the never-ending potential of freedom and its synergetic effect. Franklin and Washington continued to argue that it was too much like work, that it was a never ending struggle and an uncertain path which would probably end up causing a lot of trouble. Better to leave the idea alone and just do as they say. Henry’s face turned red. He burst into a verbal tirade, ending with his famous quote, “The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” “Liberty or death, eh?” Washington chuckled. “Henry, I’ll grant you your wish.” Washington smiled and turned to a couple of soldiers who had been accompanying him. “We don’t need these ideas floating around, shoot him,” he said. Several shots were fired. Then Franklin yelled to Revere, “Paul, tell them to extinguish those stupid lanterns, and let’s go get a beer and a burger at the pub.
Posted on: Fri, 04 Jul 2014 16:40:12 +0000
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