MANATEE COUNTY, FL – As American’s celebrated our Independence Day (colloquially the Fourth of July) commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, most of us were with our family and friends, warming our barbecues and looking forward to the annual fireworks galore, which lite up our skies with wonder and awe.
However, many Americans have forgotten that the weekend also marked the greatest battle Americans ever fought—The Battle of Gettysburg. The Battle of Gettysburg was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, by Union and Confederate forces during the American Civil War. Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, with more than 51,000 casualties, including 7,863 dead. Counting US casualties, it is the deadliest battle in American history, even ahead of D-Day.
The American Civil War was over differing political opinions and lifestyle choices. The South, Midwest, and Northeast had quite different worldviews. They traded with each other, and each became more prosperous by staying in the Union. However, by 1830 slavery was primarily located in the South, where it existed in many different forms. African Americans were enslaved on small farms, large plantations, in cities and towns, inside homes, out in the fields, and in industry and transportation.
The American Civil War is the conflict with the largest number of American military fatalities in history. In fact, the Civil War’s death toll is comparable to all other major wars combined, the deadliest of which were the World Wars, which have a combined death toll of more than 520,000 American fatalities.
Why is this relevant for this writer? Because, as I sit back and look at the canvass of America today, I see a familiar pattern of anger, violence and intolerant political positions from conservatives and liberals. The past 26 months has escalated rage over race, political freedom demands, and the desire to put a heel on the throats of our opposition.
We use anti-social media to blast our political positions worldwide, conservatives being frustrated over big tech’s censorship. American media has become a propaganda mill, largely controlled by left winged politicos, who spread the narrative of the day. Disinformation and subliminal fear mongering is commonplace; and, 90% of Americans are sick and tired of being sick and tired.
Daily, contrary information regarding the “pandemic” and the experimental vaccines, which were forced upon the world are trickling out. Thus, making it clear that the world was deceived and the purported solutions have grave physical consequences to the human body, thus creating more fear over the safety of our loved ones and self. Even today, where most states do not mandate the use of masks, one can see an emotional trigger from the mask Nazi’s from both “to wear or not to wear” camps.
The Supreme Court’s house cleaning over the last month has exploded a literal melt down from supporters of the pro Life/pro choice, 2nd Amendment supporters and reformers, as well as the heighten debate of the safety of our open boarders. Americans, simply put, are angry, unnerved, frustrated; and, ready to fight anyone with an opposing position. Both sides of the political spectrum have the added stressors of massive inflation, causing further delay in a financial rebounding after two years of lockdowns, business closures, as well as job and home losses.
Never in this writers lifetime have I seen such intolerance; and, frankly, it’s shocking and frightening. I believe America sits on a precipice of complete anarchy within our civilization—Perpetuated at the hands of paid electives, who stand at podiums on television, promoting false narratives, civil unrest and mob like instigation. There are no longer many “level headed” thinkers, rather unbalanced leaders who’ve well outlasted any benefit to our country and society. Yes, I am talking to terms limits, whereby fresh thinkers can take the helm of this shining, yet sinking ship.
Let’s us not forget the blood shed by our forefathers providing all American Citizens the well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The phrase gives three examples of the unalienable rights which the Declaration says have been given to all humans by their Creator, and which governments are created to protect.
Let’s us all look to our Constitution, which outlines the freedoms and liberties afforded each American Citizen. In doing so, it’s imperative we begin re-educating our children that America is a republic and not a pure democracy. While often designated as a democracy, the United States is more accurately defined as a constitutional federal republic. “What does this mean? “Constitutional” refers to the fact that government in the United States is based on a Constitution which is the supreme law of the United States. The Constitution not only provides the framework for how the federal and state governments are structured, but also places significant limits on their powers. “Federal” means that there is both a national government and governments of the 50 states. A “republic” is a form of government in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise that power.”
We, the People, hold the power of our government. Our paid representatives are elected to speak for our collective voices, not their independent agendas. Unfortunately, many long in tooth, decade after decade, members of Congress and the Senate have outlived their usefulness to American Citizens. And, many who’ve amassed great wealth as a public servants should be a concern to every taxpayer. Back door bribes, inside trading information, as well as lucrative book deals create an unbalanced ratio of equity and impartiality that does not serve, “We, the People,” but, rather said individual paid elective. Thus, creating a narrative that does not cohesively nor truthfully inform the citizens of America.
Let us not forget the lessons our nation learned during our Civil War. Let us stop hating people with opposing political views, open our minds and hearts to understanding that, while we may not agree with other’s positions, they have every God given right to peacefully express their stance. We can never feel the pain of another, but we can find a way back to empathy and respectful acceptance that everyone is entitled to their opinion—Even when it contradicts our own.
The escalation of rioting and anarchy is moving toward another physical civil war, where the price will be the blood of our loved ones and neighbors. As a society, we should be above this level of hatred for our fellow Americans. It’s no longer Republican vs. Democrat, race baiting, nor religion. It come down to a complete and utter breakdown of civility, tolerance and acceptance. If we do not turn a tide, we will repeat the actions of our forefathers.
May American’s remember the lesson of the deadliest war ever fought on our own soil; and, the luxury afforded to us by those precious loses.
In closing, “Oh, say, does that star spangled banner yet wave. O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
or a specific category with our 
Comments are closed.