The American Colonists were traitors, or at least that is how the British Crown viewed them. Two hundred and thirty nine years ago 56 signers declared independence for the United States of America from the British Empire. The courageous act, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, placed the lives, fortunes and sacred honor of those who mutually pledged independency at risk. The odds were against them, for they were at war against the greatest military power of the time. Liberty was worth the fight, and worth the sacrifice.
The event marked a significant shift in the history of humanity. Tyranny was the norm. Oligarchies, where a ruling elite governed over the huddled masses, was the most common form of government in the world. Self-governance, such as was being proposed by the Americans, was considered an impossibility. The American Experiment would only last for a while, was the prevalent opinion. It wouldn't be long before the silly colonists across the ocean were begging to be readmitted to the empire.
Even after decades of existence, Europeans considered America to be a joke. Sigmund Freud said, "America is a mistake." In the War of 1812, the Americans had to fight the British a second time, as they were still considered petulant children that needed to be brought back into the fold. When the White House was filled with flames, President James Madison would have been hung for treason by the British, had he have been caught.
Nearly a century into its existence, the United States almost ripped itself apart in the War between the States. The concept of State Sovereignty was challenged, and the idea of a Separation of Powers were put to the ultimate test as the President seized authorities in an effort to hold together the union. Lincoln was, perhaps, a good man in a terrible situation, but ultimately the Civil War served as another turning point in history. Nationalism challenged the Founding Father's idea of federalism, centralizing power, and altering the country from "the United States are" to the "United States is."
Despite the trials along the way, through it all, America survived, and prospered. Despite the assassination of presidents, a number of wars that included two massive world wars, and a progressive era that nearly tore the Constitution to shreds, the United States weathered the storms and came out stronger as a result.
Liberty has survived assault after assault, and for many, she still rings true.
-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary
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