Self-Evident

By Douglas V. Gibbs
Author, Speaker, Instructor, Radio Host

In the Declaration of Independence, the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God (natural rights) are given four characteristics.  We are entitled them due to our separate and equal station, we are endowed by our Creator with our rights, they are unalienable, and these truths regarding Natural Rights are self-evident.

To a new mother, it is self-evident that her duties include caring for her own child.

To a citizen of a system of liberty, it is self-evident that that we have Natural Rights, and it is self-evident that we have duties related to caring for our Natural Rights.

It is not automatic that the duty to care for one's child will be self-evident.  If a woman is not virtuous, but instead she follows evil beliefs, it is possible that she will not only refuse to care for her child, but as in the practices of certain Pagan religions (or today's abortion-minded society) she may actually be willing to turn against her own children, and sacrifice that child and spill the baby's blood for a Pagan god, or the worship of sensuality and convenience.

The same goes for one's willingness to care for their system of liberty, and protect their Natural Rights.  If a people are not virtuous, are their duties regarding protecting their system of liberty self-evident?

Benjamin Franklin said, "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom."

John Adams said, "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.  It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

Samuel Adams said, "If we are universally vicious and debauched in our manners, though the form of our Constitution carries the face of the most exalted freedom, we shall in reality be the most abject slaves."

In short, if we are not a virtuous people, we are not capable of properly caring for our system of liberty, nor will the need to be attentive to the care of our system of liberty be self-evident.

"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.  In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.  The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them.... Let it simply be asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of moral and religious obligation desert the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice?" -- George Washington, Farewell Address

If we are not a virtuous people, we are not only incapable of defending liberty, we become unable to recognize the reality that we need to.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary