Category Archives: liberty

Liberty or Dry Paint?

Posted on by December 5, 2015

Ben FranklinNot long ago I heard a quote that made me stop and think a little more closely about life itself. It went something like this:

“Tell a man there are trillions of stars in the universe, and he’ll believe you. Tell him there’s wet paint on the wall, and he’ll touch it just to be sure!”

That reminded me of another quote by Benjamin Franklin, I don’t know why, maybe I just had to reach out and touch it?

“They that can give up an essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.” read more

George Washington and America

Posted on by December 2, 2015

GeorgeWashingtonOh, how I love the words of George Washington. Indeed he was the Indispensible Man in the creation of the United States of America. I so wish we would heed more of his words of caution and warning. His first inaugural address and his Farewell Address are especially full of great advice and even predictions.

It’s my opinion that these two public addresses should be studied in the public schools and heeded by Congress, not to mention the Courts. But, unfortunately that’s not likely to happen. read more

Guard Your Liberty

Posted on by November 27, 2015

PatrickHenryYou, of course, know of the speech Patrick Henry gave which ended with the words: “Give me liberty or give me death!” And then he pretended to plunge a dagger into his breast.

But have you heard these words which Patrick Henry spoke?

“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect everyone who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.”

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Posted on by November 22, 2015

800px-Mtchoirandorchestra_ConferenceCenter_(cropped)Oh wow! The Mormon Tabernacle Choir played a rousing rendition of “Prayer of Thanksgiving” today on Music and the Spoken Word, their weekly Sunday program. I hadn’t known before that this folk Hymn was written in the late 1800’s because of the end of a long and dreary war between The Netherlands and Spain in pursuit of religious freedom.

This hymn always reminded me of our own Pilgrim heritage and our Thanksgiving Holiday. Oh well, it still fits, and we should sing it proudly. Here are the words: read more

Washington and Wisdom

Posted on by November 19, 2015

Give Me LIberty coverIt seems that we, as a nation, are just now learning some things that our Founding Fathers knew and tried to tell us. To warn us about.

Here’s just one small example from our first President, George Washington:

“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like a fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”

–George Washington as quoted in “Give Me Liberty,”
by Steven W. Allen, JD.

Patrick Henry’s Claim to Fame

Posted on by November 10, 2015

PatrickHenryMost people today don’t know very much about Patrick Henry. Through my study of the Founding Fathers, he has become one of my favorites. He had much to say to us and to do for us. Not the least off which was his example of good character.

Perhaps a fitting epitaph of this amazing man is the one paid to him by his grandson who described Henry as always setting “a good example of honesty, benevolence, hospitality and every social virtue. He assisted in the education of his . . . children and especially devoted much time to earnest efforts to establish true Christianity in our country.” read more

Freedom, Founding Fathers, and The Trial of Christ

Posted on by October 26, 2015

HeaderIt’s hard to explain, especially in just a few words, but I’ll try. People always ask me why I wrote my books in such seemingly different areas or topics.

My first book, “Founding Fathers—Uncommon Heroes” is a book with chapters about six of our Founding Fathers. Men who had the courage to establish the United States of America. The six men are Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Patrick Henry, and James Madison.

My second book, “The Illegal Trial of Christ,” came at the request of my publisher, who knew I gave popular presentations about this topic. This book includes biographical information about the many players involved in the four trials that took place at the end of Christ’s life. In this book I also explain some of the rules, procedures, and laws in effect at that time. Both Roman law and Hebrew law. By understanding these people and their circumstances, readers will come to recognize and grasp why some things are worded the way they are in the four Gospels. read more

The Least Known Founding Father

Posted on by October 23, 2015

PatrickHenryIn speaking around the country, I am surprised to find that the least know of the Founding Fathers is Patrick Henry. Sure, people have heard of him, but know nothing about his life. Some people know he gave a speech once where he said those immortal words: “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!” Where and when and why no one seems to know. Some even think it was around the time of the Civil War.

Patrick Henry gave many speeches. Not the least of which was the first speech he gave as a newly elected member of the House of Burgesses, the civilian legislature approved by the Crown of England. It was that speech that Thomas Jefferson said lighted the light of liberty in his breast, never to be quenched. He was first a close friend of Thomas Jefferson, and during the Revolutionary War they became estranged enemies. read more

James Madison and The U. S. Constitution, Then and Now

Posted on by September 28, 2015

constitutionAfter 16 weeks of unrelenting work, the U. S. Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787. It was truly a miracle! Those who attended the Convention worked hard, studied hard, listened hard to others, and even prayed hard. They knew what they were doing was important for the centuries.

James Madison, known as the Father of the Constitution, had remarkable success in bringing together the most influential and wise men in the colonies, including George Washington, who didn’t want to be there at first. read more

Thomas Jefferson’s Thoughts and The Declaration of Independence

Posted on by September 27, 2015

Jefferson said: “The glow of one warm thought is to me worth more than money.”

monticelloI guess that’s literally true. Tom had many great and warm thoughts, but he spent his money liberally. (Is that why the liberals like to spend money so fast—yours and mine?)

When he died, his family had to sell whatever they could of his to pay his debts. But Monticello has been restored to its glorious condition today. If you haven’t visited there yet, make it a point to do so. You can learn so much from just a visit to his home, see how he lived, and what he loved to design and to collect. And how dear he held his family in his thoughts. read more