Happy Independence Insurrection Day!

Today we celebrate a remarkable moment in history – the American Revolution.

It’s important to clarify that we’re referring to the genuine insurrection carried out by American colonists against the British government, not the events of Jan. 6, 2021. While we call this day “Independence Day,” it was seen as an act of rebellion by the British.

Insurrection, however, is a subjective term. From a technical standpoint, the British were correct in calling it such. Encyclopedia Britannica defines insurrection as an organized and sometimes violent act of revolt against an established government by a group of citizens. Although the concept of insurrection may challenge modern sensibilities and is an extreme last resort, it can have justifications.

Present-day Americans tend to be passive when it comes to resisting the government. We express our dissatisfaction through protests or attempts to vote out ineffective leaders. However, this wasn’t the mindset of our founding generation. They believed in resisting tyranny.

Tensions between the British government and the colonists escalated with the passage of the Stamp Act in 1765. The colonists viewed it as an overreach and a violation of their rights as British citizens. They understood that government should be controlled by the people, not the other way around.

The American Revolution wasn’t a blind act of rebellion. It was rooted in the idea that the people hold the ultimate power and have the right to check the government’s actions. Grievances arose from perceived violations of their rights as citizens under the British constitution rather than solely from taxes.

At its core, the American Revolution asserted the people’s fundamental right to alter or abolish their government when it becomes destructive to their liberties. The Declaration of Independence emphasizes this right.

If social media existed in 1776, figures like Samuel Adams and Thomas Jefferson might have been labeled “anti-government extremists” and de-platformed. However, celebrating their actions on July 4 means celebrating not only insurrection but also the idea of secession.

Secession, which became a term associated with the Civil War and slavery, is rooted in the concept that the people are sovereign and not subservient to the government. It is based on the belief that government should serve the people and adhere to limited ends.

In the British system, the government held supreme power, making its own rules while expecting submission from the people. The American colonists, who initially enjoyed substantial autonomy, believed this violated their constitutional rights. The United States written Constitution, starting with the words “we the people,” establishes the rules and limits for government.

We must remember that the government should work for us, not the other way around. Sadly, the current state of affairs prompts us to question whether this principle still holds true.

While many are familiar with the beginning of the Declaration of Independence, few have read the entire document. Thomas Jefferson listed numerous grievances against the British crown, justifying the colonies’ right to secede and form new governments. In a modern context, these grievances resonate; perhaps it’s time for a revolution of thought devoid of violence.

Some of the grievances against the British Crown:

• He has established numerous unnecessary offices and sent many officials to burden our people and deplete their resources.
• He has conspired with others to subject us to a foreign jurisdiction, disregarding our constitution and laws and approving their so-called legislation.
• He has stationed large groups of armed troops among us, akin to federal agents of various kinds.
• He has infringed upon our charters, abolished our most valuable laws, and fundamentally altered the structure of our governments.
• He has suspended our legislatures, claiming the authority to legislate for us in all matters.
• He has deprived us, in many cases, of the right to a fair trial by jury.
• Do these grievances sound familiar?

And here we arrive at the crucial sentence of the Declaration: These United Colonies are, and rightfully should be sovereign and independent states.

• States that are free.
• States that are not subservient to Washington, DC.
• States that are not subjects of any individual, including King Biden.
• States that a large centralized government in Washington, DC, does not control.
• This is precisely what the colonists fought to eliminate.

Let these thoughts linger as you enjoy the brilliance of fireworks this weekend.

So let us reflect on our history, celebrate our independence, and consider how we can ensure our government truly serves the people.