Happy Birthday, Thomas Jefferson

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history, Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), author of the Declaration of Independence and the third U.S. president, was a leading figure in America’s early development. During the American Revolutionary War (1775-83), Jefferson served in the Virginia legislature and the Continental Congress and was governor of Virginia. He later served as U.S. minister to France and U.S. secretary of state, and was vice president under John Adams (1735-1826). Jefferson, who thought the national government should have a limited role in citizens’ lives, was elected president in 1800. During his two terms in office (1801-1809), the U.S. purchased the Louisiana Territory and Lewis and Clark explored the vast new acquisition. Although Jefferson promoted individual liberty, he was also a slaveowner. After leaving office, he retired to his Virginia plantation, Monticello, and helped found the University of Virginia.

 

Link: http://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/thomas-jefferson

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Happy 4th of July: Secession Day!

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4th of july, history, secession, secession day

What happened on this day in 1776?  The 13 American colonies, each independent states, seceded from Great Britain.

Jefferson, like all the other founders, understood that the states were all free, independent, and sovereign; that the union was a pragmatic compact between the free and independent states; that the federal government was delegated certain powers by the states for their benefit; and that the citizens of any state had the right to resume those powers should they decide that the union was no longer in their best interest.  There was nothing “mystical” or magical or “perpetual” about it.  As Jefferson wrote in the last paragraph of the Declaration of Independence:

“That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other things which independent states may of right do.”

To Thomas Jefferson July 4th was always Happy Secession Day.

Link: https://www.lewrockwell.com/lrc-blog/thomas-jefferson-celebrating-today/

 

Boston Tea Party

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boston tea party, history, liberty

December 16th is the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party.

From wikipedia:

The Boston Tea Party (initially referred to by John Adams as “the Destruction of the Tea in Boston“^[2]) was a nonviolent political protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston, on December 16, 1773. Disguised as Indians, the demonstrators destroyed the entire supply of tea sent by the East India Company in defiance of the American boycott of tea carrying a tax the Americans had not authorized. They boarded the ships and threw the chests of tea into Boston Harbor, ruining the tea. The British government responded harshly and the episode escalated into the American Revolution. The Tea Party became an iconic event of American history, and other political protests often refer to it.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this spirit of liberty awoke in our hearts again?

December 16, 1773 Boston Tea Party

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history, Political, tea party

Today, December 16, is the anniversary of the Boston Tea Party where colonists in Boston expressed their displease with King George by dumping highly taxed tea into the harbor. This is one of the events that preceded the American Revolutionary War. The current political Tea Parties take their name from this event.

More here:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Tea_Party

December 16th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party

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history, liberty, succession, tea party

On December 16th 1773, colonists in Boston staged the very first political Tea Party in response to excessive taxation. The American Revolution was an act of secession (from the British Empire).

An anniversary worth remembering!