Freedom is NOT Free

Freedom
Freedom
Glen Wunderlich
Glen Wunderlich

Lansing, Michigan – -(Ammoland.com)-  Independence Day or the Fourth of July, if you will, is the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence by our nation from Great Britain in 1776.

When this piece of paper was signed by our Forefathers, it meant more than anything to them, as evidenced by the concluding line, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

The signing was conceptual in nature, as all thought is. However, its consequences reverberate today, while we stand among all nations as a beacon of inspiration to the oppressed. In distant lands, deadly turmoil exists, as evidenced by the many uprisings throughout the world.

Seemingly endless battles rage today, because rulers rule.

Infringements on human freedom are born out of a plea of necessity, as any tyrant will decree; however, if we listen intently, their vision boils down to one inescapable fact of reality: control – the enemy of freedom.

While I’ll not bore anyone with history during plans to celebrate a day off work, we must be ever vigilant to the threats of freedom – those concepts that strengthen government’s hand in our daily affairs.

It is fair to ponder that freedom is not free when it is at the expense of others. Think about that when government portends to give us anything. For our Forefathers understood that unalienable rights are just that – natural – and, as such, are not granted by any man.

Yes, the Fourth of July is a time for politicians to puff themselves up – to wave the American flag and to preach from every available soap box. But, who among them are bold enough to explain their purpose in life; who among them have even defined it for themselves?

James Madison’s words are just as true today, as he explained how freedom is lost to unsuspecting souls:

“I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.”

I believe it, too.

It is a time for celebration to be sure; it remains a time to defend freedom, as well. It is our duty.

About Glen WunderlichCharter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA). Outdoor writer and columnist for The Argus-Press (www.argus-press.com) and blog site at www.thinkingafield.org  Member National Rifle Association (NRA), Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), member U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance (USSA), Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), Commemorative Bucks of Michigan (CBM). Adjutant of Perry, Michigan Sons of Amvets Post 4064 and Chairman Perry (MI) Youth Hunt Extravaganza, a sanctioned event of Perry Sons of Amvets held the third weekend of September each year.

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Van Wunderlich

You said it Glen.