Every July 4th, we celebrate a document that states Texas, or any state, can secede from the United States: "whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and institute new government . . ."
What if an overwhelming majority of Texans voted to leave the United States? Would the U.S. let us go? After all, we could easily survive on our own. We have over 22 million people, which is a lot more than dozens of countries. We have a productive port, the Port of Houston, and an economy that could thrive without the rest of the U.S. dragging us down.
What if the overwhelming majority of Texans said: "you know, we've had enough of high taxes, military spending and an over aggressive foreign policy, limits on our personal liberty, crummy roads and crummy public education, etc. etc." Would the U.S. let us go? NO! The rest of the U.S. would not let us go, and would use military force to keep us in. But how could they, since they celebrate a document every year that says we can?
Because Mr. Lincoln's War took secession away. Even though every delegate at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 believed secession was a fundamental right and important for liberty, it was taken away by the Civil War. That event was a watershed moment in American History. Now, unchecked by the threat of secession, the federal government could grow dramatically (and boy, did it ever!).
In a civilized society, should anyone or any government ever force anyone to do anything against his or her will as long as that person does not infringe upon the life, liberty, or property of another?
Showing posts with label Lincoln. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lincoln. Show all posts
Monday, January 21, 2008
Friday, November 23, 2007
Lincoln didn't care about slaves
During the Civil War, Lincoln clarified his position on the war and slavery. "My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not to either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also so that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause."
Interesting. What was that they taught us about "Father Abraham" in grade school?
Interesting. What was that they taught us about "Father Abraham" in grade school?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Lincoln said what?
Abraham Lincoln said some amazing things, and this statement, made in 1858, is quite interesting. "I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in anyway the social and political equality of the white and black races - that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, not to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied everything."
How often does the quote above appear in American History textbooks? Maybe it's time to pick up a copy of The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History by Thomas Woods or Thomas DiLorenzo's The Real Lincoln.
How often does the quote above appear in American History textbooks? Maybe it's time to pick up a copy of The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History by Thomas Woods or Thomas DiLorenzo's The Real Lincoln.
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