Fear & Loading: One Nation, Indivisible

There’s an unfortunate polarization in America today, and more than likely, you witness it every day on the news, social media, in school or at work. Most (not all) of what we’re witnessing, however, is only possible because an army of Americans earned our right to free speech and a democratic government more than 200 years ago when they took to arms and permanently deported tyranny. 

Many patriots lost their lives to ensure the right to complain, write letters, stage protests (with permits where required), start a social media campaign, call, sit in or walk out. Before our great nation was established, all of the above could land you in jail, result in public floggings, or worse. Thankfully, our forefathers provided the First Amendment, which of course means every side on any issue has real reason to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Fly the flag, attend a parade, extend a hearty greeting—regardless of his or her race, religion, politics, age, social status or economic challenge. This great nation stood together to fight, and win, against the most powerful military in the entire world at the time to secure our freedoms, and when we agree to disagree, yet work together toward the ultimate goal, history shows there’s nothing the United States cannot accomplish.

Even today, there are those who would like to kill Americans, end our way of life, and force us back into servitude. The Fourth of July is an opportune day for them to send a message, and Homeland Security has allegedly issued warnings to law enforcement about potential threats. The Second Amendment guarantees we don’t have to be helpless victims, though, unlike the unarmed and innocent victims claimed abroad recently.

This Saturday let’s broadcast a message that circles the globe in a magnitude that drowns the mutterings of cave-swelling, leech-sucking radicals intent on inflicting terror on all that is free. Raise the colors, have a BBQ, launch the fireworks and forget the animosity. We’re “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Department of Defense photos.