“Independence forever!" The final public utterance of John Adams eloquently describes the man and the vision he had for the United States. The languor of servile existence would never satisfy this son of liberty for himself or for his country, and thus the burning desire of this statesman became independence and liberty at all costs.
"I always consider the settlement of America with reverence and wonder, as the opening of a grand scene and design in Providence for the illumination of the ignorant, and the emancipation of the slavish part of mankind all over the earth." -John Adams
This emancipation, Adams believed, must extend to all of mankind in every area of life -- the golden scepter of equality under law extended by God to the world through America.
Described by friend and foe alike as "obstinate," Adams refused to cave when public pressure cried for the execution of British troops accused of committing the Boston Massacre. Breaking ranks with the Sons of Liberty and his cousin Samuel Adams, he defended these men in court, extending the scepter to his enemies and setting an example of American exceptionalism that has continued through the ages.
The adherence to principle displayed at this critical juncture stood him in good stead when public pressure once again stood ready to triumph over the cause of liberty. On July 1st, 1776, powerful men such as John Dickinson of Pennsylvania cautioned against declaring independence from Great Britain, arguing that more time should be taken to consider as the colonies had no army, navy, or wealth with which to wage war.
When Adams rose to speak, Thomas Jefferson said he spoke: "with a power of thought and expression that moved us from our seats." At the close of the speech, the battle was won. The Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed within the week.
Throughout the fight for liberty, Adams was ably supported by his devoted wife, Abigail. A firm believer in the cause of liberty, she took every opportunity to support her husband and the war effort through skillfully managing investments, opening their Braintree home to weary soldiers seeking a few minutes of respite, and even melting her treasured pewter dishes to make bullets for those low on ammunition.
In addition, she carefully raised her son John Quincy Adams to be a guardian of liberty and a champion of freedom. The myriad of correspondence between Abigail and John remains a testimony to unfailing support for the cause of liberty in the United States and abroad.
As the second President of the United States, Adams continued to protect and treasure the scepter of liberty entrusted to this great country. Never one to back down from a fight, Adams insisted that America must remain in a position of strength through military might and avoidance of foreign wars, establishing the U.S. Navy and refusing to join the Napoleonic wars.
Despite the emphasis he placed on strength, Adams knew that it alone could not ensure the continuance of a free people.
"The only foundation of a free Constitution is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People in a greater Measure, than they have it now, they may change their Rulers and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain lasting liberty." - John Adams
John and Abigail Adams knew that a free nation required that none be too great or too powerful to be held accountable for their actions. Because of this, they would undoubtedly support the efforts of COS Maryland by signing the petition demanding Maryland Legislators pass legislation calling for a Convention of States.
One of the goals of this convention is imposing an amendment ensuring its members may not exempt themselves from the laws they make. Congress must be accountable to the same laws as the rest of America if she is to see "Independence forever." Be one of 50,000 Marylanders to sign the petition today, and spread the word about Convention of States!
