On this day that we celebrate our Declaration of Independence from England, we should take time to reflect on the current events of this year, 2010, thus far.
Until this year, Thomas Jefferson was revered in American history textbooks as the Founding Father who wrote the Declaration of Independence. His document is the reason we celebrate the fourth of July as this country's Independence Day. This is a holiday to remind Americans about the history and significance of that document.
But earlier this year, religious conservative members of the "Texas Board of Education" decided to push for a revision of this history by downplaying Jefferson's influence in the founding of our nation because the notion of the "Separation of Church and State" has been traced to him. These religious rightists believe this country was founded as a Christian Nation and decided to make their point by revising American history in their public school text books. The effect of this kind of revision of American history would be to celebrate the founding of this country as a religious event rather than the secular event it is.
One does not have to be an American History Scholar to understand that the American Revolution was not fought as a religious war against anti-Christian forces or an Antichrist. It occurred as a reluctant solution to a struggle by colonists against an imperial British government. The leaders of the Revolution considered this rebellion a secular matter. Their goal was to establish the colonies as free and independent states concerned with matters of this world and the new land in which they existed, rather than establish a Christian nation.
As a matter of historical fact, America entered into the Treaty of Tripoli in 1797 which included in part the following statement: "the Government of the United States of America is not, in any sense, founded on the Christian religion." I wonder if the "“Revisionist Asses within the Texas Board of Education” would consider inserting this item in their textbooks? Of course not because they don't want to deal in facts!
The drafting of this treaty began during George Washington's presidency. The final draft was read in full in the Senate where it was approved unanimously and then signed by Washington's successor, President John Adams.
Jefferson made history with the help of John Adams and Ben Franklin in writing the Declaration of Independence to abolish British colonial rule. This political theory is at the heart of the document we celebrate today, namely, that individuals "are created equal" with rights to "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" to be secured by a government empowered by the consent of the governed. I might also add from my Masonic background which many of our Founding Fathers were members also is, "Freedom From Ignorance."
Jefferson later explained that his purpose with this document was to firmly and plainly state self-evident, common sense principles with which sensible people would agree and which would justify the colonist's independence.
These rights expressed by Jefferson became an important part of the Constitution through the first 10 amendments (the Bill of Rights) and the 14th Amendment. His memorable words have become immortal and the SHAME is on the "Texas Board of Education" and those who agree with them for trying to downplay Thomas Jefferson and his document as important parts of American history.
Now for those whom believe in Divine Providence, isn’t it ironic that “The State of Texas” did not have the funds to purchase these "Bastardized History Books" assembled by those who blatantly disregarded "Historical Fact" to push their fabricated viewpoints onto others.
Maybe there truly is Justice For All!!!
In a white suburb of Toledo yesterday, 160 Tea Party associates gathered to denounce government and to praise God. The opening prayer lasted a full 5 minutes. I'm supposing that this tea-knot would quite enjoy a theocracy on some island rather than Jefferson's democracy.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, the sensible center of our republic views these wing-nuts as just that. Hopefully at the polls this November, they will make sensible choices to run our nation.
All we can do, Engineer, is keep getting the word out- the truth out- to as many people as we can.
Glad to see a new post here, Engineer. Happy historic 4th!
Hello Muddy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. As I have just added to this post mentioning my Masonic background as many of our Founding Fathers were members of, "Freedom From Ignorance."
I'd like to learn more about the masonic movement but I've always been apprehensive because of the bad press it received in the past.
ReplyDeleteIs the movement as politically active today as it was at the time of the founding of our nation?
Hello Muddy,
ReplyDeleteIt is a little known fact that it is forbidden to speak of neither religion nor politics within the temple / lodge during a meeting. The Mason’s motto is, “Making good men better.” The journey of seeking Light / Illumination is within one’s self. The Masons promote Friendship, Morality, and Brotherly Love.
Many of the teachings and awareness of Freemasonry have become part of our everyday language. Take the Blue Lodge masonry tool symbols, Square and Compass, Level, Plumb and 24” Gauge. When someone says, “Is he on the level, meaning is he telling the truth?” “I will treat you fair and Square or I gave him a Square deal, meaning I will not cheat you,” or “straight as a Plumb, meaning to stand erect and not to lean or be pushed off center by someone else’s persuasions compromising your own ethics.” “The Compass will circumscribe your desires keeping your passions within due bounds,” and “24” Gauge as there is 24 hours within the day and is divided into tenths representing Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth.” This last is the first teaching lessons of an Entered Apprentice.
These are the values that have been LOST of late with American Republican Politics. Lee Atwater was the King of Lies and Innuendos and was praised for it by the RNC instead of being corrected. They even played the song, “Bad To The Bone” with pride at the Republican Presidential Convention when he walked on stage. Tom DeLay nor Dick Cheney had any MORAL bounds if it moved their agenda forward. Many at this time within the Republican delegation in Congress and Senate openly accepted influence payments (The Plumb) right on the floor of the Capital just before a legislation vote. All of this is well documented because they openly admitted it without shame. This is my problem with the Republican Party today. Instead of having any morals or ethics, My Republican Party has emulated the TV show Survivor. Any lie, betrayal, manipulating scheme is what you are rewarded for instead of truth, honesty, friendship, etc.
As many do know, Freemasonry can trace their origins back to the Templar Knights and has evolved over the many years. What many would recognize as Freemasonry today came about around 1717 in London. (your local Blue Lodge 1st to 3rd degree) From this central aspect then grew the other levels (4th to 33rd degrees and there are only 33 members that are 33rd degreed in the U.S. 32nd degree is about the highest most can reach) through different branches. These are Scottish Rite, York Rite, Shriners, and Tall Cedars of Lebanon just to give an example. Each off shoot has their own philanthropic aspect and raise money for such as Scottish Rite works with kids that are dyslexic, York Rite has Arteriosclerosis, Shriners have their children’s hospital dealing with sever burns, etc. and Tall Cedars deal with blindness.
A good model for thinking about the Freemasons is like a university. There is a swarm of fraternities, academic honor societies, alumni association, etc. The university will directly control some of the groups, while others have varying degrees of independence, but they are all university related.
I know that this is a very short explanation of Freemasonry but I hope it helps in some understanding.
Dog bless America, and those who stand against the revisionist scumb who would see us become a theocracy.
ReplyDeleteThere is as much to fear from the mindless rightwing Xtian religionist revisionists from within, as there is from the radical Islamics from without. A pox on both their houses.
Hello Hump,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. I am of the mind that this country is in more of a threat from the Fundamentalist Christians than any Islamic aspect.