Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (Updated post from 7/2/13)

 

"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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

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It seems fitting, as the celebration of our freedom approaches, that we reflect on these few cherished sentences.  It seems fitting, with all that is going on in the world today, and especially with our own government, that we share these meaningful words of our Declaration of Independence with the world.

These words were not meant just for the people of the United States of America, they were meant for all freedom-loving people, people of all faiths, and even those people with none.  They were meant as a warning to those leaders and dictators that selfishly forget to respect the people they govern.

Our own leaders, here in this country, need to take a moment to reflect on their lack of respect, as well.  Recent activities by our leaders have been endearing us less to the rest of the world and have been embarrassing to us as a nation.  It would seem as if, once again they have forgotten whom they work for, and whom they represent, even as the media moguls realize the American people know the media has been supporting the wrong people.

We, all of us on this planet, should be doing what America has always done, protecting those that cannot protect themselves.  A difficult premise to wrap our minds around, when Americans can't even protect our unborn from the murderous selfishness of political factions.

Those of us with spiritual faith can only hope the Creator blesses the godless, especially those that have faith and hope, and worship in search of peace and humanity amongst the inhabitants.  May God help the poor souls who continue to struggle and die in their own pursuit of life and happiness against their inept governments and those who would invade.  Life.  An interesting concept.  Many of those who enjoy it have so little respect for it.  Perhaps if they were a step away from being an abortion statistic they would have a different outlook... or, maybe not.  They would simply be offended, as always.

 

Let us scream our disapproval to the heavens and tell our leaders to take heed, that they are never too big to fail, like tyrants and the inept always do, in the end.  In the famous words of the great patriot, Thomas Jefferson:

"What country before ever existed a century and half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve it’s liberties if their rulers are not warned from time to time that their people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy is to set them right as to facts, pardon and pacify them. What signify a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is it’s natural manure." 

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and, finally, a senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Western Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research.

Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com