Declare Your Independance from Tyranny

Today we celebrate America's 236th birthday, our “Independence Day”! A day to celebrate our freedom from tyranny and our collective pride in belonging to the oldest, greatest experimentation of democracy in the history of the human race.

But, should it be more than just barbecues, baseball and firework displays? Our history teaches us that on July 4, 1776, we declared our country's “Declaration of Independence” from Great Britain—a government that repressed our colonial forefathers with burdensome taxes and overreaching restrictions on our freedoms: Freedom of speech and to assemble or worship. Freedoms many of us take for granted today.  As Americans, we cannot begin to fathom the liberties we enjoy today were only a dream in pre-revolutionary days.

Independence Day should be a day of celebration and a day to reflect. It is the perfect time for all Americans to look back at history, to remember, to comprehend what our founding fathers worked so hard to create—a nation of inalienable rights for all her citizens. It is understandably easy to forget that there was a time when most of the rights and freedoms we take for granted today simply did not exist. 

History also teaches us that remembering our past will help us prevent a repeat in the oppression of our rights, endowed by our Creator for future generations. However, we do find that even today, our citizens face various forms of burdensome taxes, overbearing government and infringed rights.

At the federal level, “ObamaCare”, a $500 billion plus takeover of the healthcare industry, was recently upheld by the US Supreme Court and the court confirmed what many suspected. The act was a backdoor method to enact one of the largest Tax Hikes in American history.

Many believe that this government takeover will result in higher taxes for the middle class, less access to quality health care and yet another enormous, insatiable, government bureaucracy monster to be continuously fed by “we the people”, among other flaws in the program. If you think for a moment that big government can effectively and efficiently handle healthcare in the county I have two words for you.

“Medicare and Medicaid”

Two of our largest entitlement programs on the verge of bankruptcy. I won’t even start about a “one size fits all” healthcare system.  

At the state level, Democrats recently decided to fall back into their old tax and spend ways by sending our governor a new tax on millionaires while denying the middle class much needed tax relief.

It never ends. Take even MORE tax money from hardworking folks and businesses before “giving” any tax relief.  Is this the only legislature that wants to punish you for being successful and at the same time make it harder to add jobs to your business?

In Gloucester County, we have a Democratic majority interested in oppressing its workforce and their First Amendment rights. In April of this year, the Democrats passed a series of changes to the county's human resources manual that prevent employees from exercising their right to free speech and opinions about their own county government. It’s a slippery slope and one I personally don’t want to travel.

Being a citizen of the United States of America is more than just being lucky enough to be born here. It is a moral and civil responsibility to get involved in what your government is doing or not doing on your behalf. Reading the newspaper, going to meetings and letting your voice be heard at the ballot box is the responsibility of every American.

That is why I urge everyone to get a copy of the Declaration of Independence (or view it online) and read it—maybe for the first time. Soak in the majesty of the words. Reflect on the rights and freedoms granted to us by this incredible document. Recognize the blood spilled and treasure expended to protect it. 

As you attend your barbecues, firework displays and baseball games, strike up a conversation with your friends and family about our Independence Day.

And at some point ask yourself, “What does freedom mean for me and my children today and what will I do to keep our country free from tyranny and oppression tomorrow?”