Freedom, by hand or by sword, Freedom

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government – Thomas Jefferson

The American Revolutionary War began on April 18th, 1775  at Concord, Massachusetts and ended September 3rd, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The total number of American militiamen killed during the war were approximately 50,000 with an unknown number of civilian casualties.

The Civil War was fought from the years 1861-1865, during which time 620,000 soldiers died, the civilian casualties have never been calculated.  Reconstruction lasted until 1877, and although the nation was reunited, animosity over different political and social ideologies remained for generations.

I believe the best way to find answers for the future is to look to the past.  Americans have died in ever corner of the world fighting for freedom, but we must never forget that freedom begins at home.  As I look to the future, I wonder if my grandchildren will discuss what price my generation paid for freedom?  George Santayana said,  "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it".  I hope the we have learned the lessons of our fathers.


That being said, what if, what if, it comes to the fight no one wants. what if freedom must be taken by hand or by sword.  This simple statement reflects the gift our forefathers bestowed on all Americans, the right of the people to keep and bear arms. This gift was not given lightly, but with the foresight that the time may come again that the citizens their nation may have to take up arms to secure their freedom

The second amendments states: A well regulated Militia , being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a FREE State.  Freedom, our forefathers believed in a free state. Not a totalitarian government.  They believed in a government of the people and by the people.  They had lived under the rule of aristocracy and knew the dangers of a government system where power was consolidated to one ruling class.

It has become painfully apparent over the last few years that our own representatives have begun to set themselves apart from the very people who placed them in a position of responsibility.  They spend our money freely, makes decisions about our lives that are contrary to our wishes, and disregard the will of the people. 

We have allowed the term "politician" to become synonymous with the word "career", and we have seen the corruption it lends itself to.  The President of the United States; supposedly the most powerful man in the world; has never owned a business, never served in the armed services, and cannot attest to any achievement made in the service to his nation other than being a politician.  What does that say about our country?  Even the Royal Family of England encourages their heirs to serve in the military.

It is time to take back our country, be it by hand, or sword.