I would like to encourage your readers to take time for a history lesson

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<span lang="EN">Dear Editor,</span>

<span lang="EN">With the 4^th of July upon us I would like to encourage your readers to take time for a history lesson.</span>

<span lang="EN">First read some of the foundational documents of our Country. The Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence, Pre-amble to the Constitution, Bill of Rights, Constitution, Federalist Papers & George Washington's Farewell address.</span>

<span lang="EN">Reading these original documents will increase your knowledge of our Founding Fathers intent when they gave us a Constitutional Republic.</span>

<span lang="EN">Ben Franklin was asked when leaving the Constitutional Convention what form of government they had given the Citizens and he said " A Republic if you can keep it". A Constitutional Republic is what we were given but we have been operating more like a Democracy. A Democracy sounds grand until you have a majority of voters intent on changing the government to meet there needs. Here is a quote credited to Ben Franklin ," Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Freedom is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." You get the point . Our original form of government has been eaten away over the years.</span>

<span lang="EN"> George Washington "The Father of our Country" was a wise student of government and human nature. In his farewell address he gives us these thoughts ; ."&#8230; that the free Constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue. &#8230;But the Constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all. &#8230; and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally&#8230;. the spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one, and thus create,&#8230;. A real despotism&#8230;. Of all the desposition and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports. </span>

<span lang="EN">In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens&#8230;.</span>

<span lang="EN">Let it simply be asked, Where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the Oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice?&#8230; reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religions principle."</span>

<span lang="EN">George Washington warned of public debt , implored each generation pay their own debt without burdening their posterity and many other issues relevant for us <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT217">today</span>. He would be considered a radical <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT218">today</span> . Our Founding Fathers were prolific writers and very wise men. As a patriotic gesture read some of their writings this year. </span>

<span lang="EN">Have a great <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT219">4th of July</span>. </span>

<span lang="EN">Celebrate your Freedom.</span>

<span lang="EN">Best Regards,</span>

<span lang="EN">Rick Hall</span>

<span lang="EN">6311 Union Hall Rd, Ellis Grove, Il 62241 , <span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT220">6 18</span> -<span class="Object" id="OBJ_PREFIX_DWT221">317-1176</span></span>