Category Archives: liberty

Freedom, Liberty, and the Founding Fathers

Posted on by January 25, 2016

PatrickHenryIt’s interesting how much emphasis and importance all of the Founders put in the idea of Freedom and Liberty. They even warned us to take good care of the things they left for us.

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the chains of slavery . . .?” Patrick Henry.

“It is my full intention to devote my life and fortune in the cause we are engaged in (the Revolution), if need be.” George Washington.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Thomas Jefferson, in the Declaration of Independence. read more

Books about America

Posted on by January 19, 2016

Steven Allen 2 on stageOK, I didn’t want to read Dinesh D’Souza’s new book “Stealing America.” It sounded too hardboiled a perspective even for me! I admit I did see his documentary about “America, Imagine a World Be Without Her?” And I enjoyed it—especially from the point of view of the Founding Fathers. And then I read the book, too. But wouldn’t “Stealing America” just be too much?

Then my wife gave it to me as a gift. Yeah, she saw it on sale. So I figured I had to read it. And I found that it explains the prison experience correctly, and what you can learn there! I should know. I’m now writing “A Patriot in Prison” about my own personal experience. Unjustly accused and sent to prison camp. read more

Washington’s Reminder

Posted on by January 17, 2016

GeorgeWashingtonGeorge Washington, in his First Inaugural Address reminded us, as citizens of America, and as voters:

“The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are . . . staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.”

And so it truly is.

Free to Be

Posted on by January 13, 2016

Give Me LIberty coverA life lived in liberty
Is one I’m proud to live.
And shout alliance to the men
Whose lives they did so give.

I see the blessings it brings to those
Who live in this great land,
And name each one as men of grace:
Who brought freedom with their hand.

I see our flag wave bold and bright
And shine for all to see,
We pledge allegiance to the flag
That says we’re “Free to Be.”

–Steven W. Allen, JD

Thomas Jefferson as A Speaker

Posted on by December 30, 2015

ThomasJeffersonSpeaking of professional speakers, one of the Founding Fathers who wouldn’t be one would be Thomas Jefferson! Although he was very intellectual, wise, and erudite, he was not a good speaker. He could write better than the best of them. But speak he could not, and he knew it. For that reason alone, he probably couldn’t be elected President today.

His voice was high and “squeaky”. He wrote the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence without book or pamphlet as references. Only his background and training as a lawyer guided him through his writing. But he didn’t speak up on behalf of his draft at the Continental Congress. He allowed John Adams to represent him and the committee in advocating adoption of the Declaration. read more

Give Me Liberty

Posted on by December 29, 2015

PatrickHenryI received my monthly “Speaker” magazine today. I am a professional speaker and have been a member of this fine Association for many years. Of course, my interest has been speaking about the Founding Fathers and the way they taught character and leadership.

But today as I looked at my new magazine, I couldn’t help but think that there was no National Speakers Association in the 1700’s. And indeed, there were no professional speakers in that day either. There were, however some very great speakers. John Adams, with his persuasive ability comes to mind. read more

James Madison and the Choice of Liberty

Posted on by December 19, 2015

JamesMadisonJust as Patrick Henry proclaimed “Give me liberty or give me death”, James Madison did likewise. His statement was worded just a little differently.

Madison defined “property rights” to be the same as all human rights. Such rights are specifically protected in our Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments, proposed by Madison and adopted by the States.

James refers to property to include such human rights at freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press. He wrote that property “included everything to which a man may attach a value and have a right, and which leaves to every one else the like advantage”(emphasis in the original writing). read more

Our Proud Military

Posted on by December 12, 2015

navy-fleet-QBs-carrier-articleToday I watched the last half of the Army – Navy football game. The helmets of the Navy team were so beautiful in blue with an ocean and an aircraft carrier painted on them. I was impressed.

Navy won the game. And I was also impressed and gratified by the deportment of both teams. It is the tradition for each team to gather together in a group and sing their “Alma mater” song. They did it. Both teams, one after the other. Some with tears in their eyes.

It made you proud to be represented in the military by such valiant young people. Americans should be pleased and gratified to have these steadfast young people protect us and our liberty. read more

Natural Law and the Declaration of Independence

Posted on by December 6, 2015

445192825_011af775a5_mPeople were beginning to talk about the Colonies becoming independent from Great Britain. Unfair treatment of the colonists without giving them any representation in the British body which deliberated the laws, caused many to rebel, rise up, take to the streets, and, yes revolt.

The colonies sent leaders to represent them in a Continental Congress at Philadelphia. At the 2nd Continental Congress the representatives decided to put independence to a vote. A committee was formed to draft a Declaration of Independence should one be necessary. That committee was Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and a young lawyer named Thomas Jefferson, who was chosen to write the first draft of such a document. read more