We are celebrating the Declaration of Independence, where our Founders declared that we have unalienable rights, “that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness (including your property rights).” We learn of the self-evident truth that all men are created equal and that “all” means “ALL.” Yet, we find a significant number of Americans who prefer the Communist way of tyranny like it is some bright, shiny, new object to behold. A simple search of Khrushchev, his words, the USSR, or dictators of the twentieth century would make any American want to celebrate July 4 every day of the year.
Do We Know What We Have in the Declaration of Independence?
In 1956, when Nikita Khrushchev said, “We will bury you,” and, “Your grandchildren will live under communism,” I believed he was serious- especially when he wielded his shoe, pounded on the table, shook his finger at his audience or his fist in the air. I was a child under the age of 6. While other kids collected baseball cards and Nancy Drew mysteries, I watched, read, and listened to the news.
My reaction to Communism and Khrushchev as a growing child was, “Oh no, you won’t! You will never rule my country!” I thought him to be an ugly man. His gait was that of a tyrant. At that young age, I believed that the United States offered a better life. We were free. There was food on the shelves in our stores. We didn’t have to wait in line to buy bread. I could buy penny candy by crossing the street and having a single copper coin. Most likely, I got the spare change from cashing in glass “pop” bottles.
By comparison, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics seemed to be a nation of gracious people ruled by tyrants who controlled their every move. They had so little that they could call their own. I figured this out as a kid. When immigrants talked about it, I listened carefully to their stories.
Threats to the Idea of Independence
So, how is it that today’s Americans can’t see the forest for the trees? They have been taught to feel wrong about their country and capitalism. They never learned or faced the truth about the USSR, Khrushchev, his successors, and what Communism is. Instead, they hang out in groups led by professors, politicians, and the press. Has no one taught them to think for themselves? Worse, they incur debt for schooling that influenced them to hate their heritage. You’re not alone. Most of us either are or know of rejected parents.
Don’t let our country’s sins of the past, your college professor, your favorite politician, or your top media personality deter you from loving and pursuing our Forefathers’ ideals. (They) “brought forth, on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and (were) dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
Above all, don’t think for a moment that building this nation was easy, or that you or someone else could do better. Very few ideas last 247 years. The Declaration of Independence has stood the test of time. Happy Birthday, America!
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
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