Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and remembrance of how blessed we are as Americans. In challenging times it is even more important to think of those who influence our lives.
Our Convention of States family has provided me with friendships, blessings, and experiences too numerous to count. I am thankful for the sacrifices you make to preserve the cause of liberty. Our Constitution and republic are being tested like never in my lifetime. Let’s look at another example of when our ancestors faced uncertainty and incredible odds.
November 11 was the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower Compact. The Mayflower Compact was the first governing document of the Plymouth Colony and the New World. These new colonists were fleeing Great Britain and King James. They had first settled in Holland and established a peaceful life there. However, Holland did not provide as many economic opportunities as they enjoyed in Great Britain. The decision was made to cross the Atlantic to begin a new life in the New World.
The Mayflower Compact proposed the radical principle that the law in the New World would be established by the colonists and not the King of England. All males over 21 years of age would have the right to vote, select their leaders, remove officials from office, pass law, and propose changes to existing law. They established the principles of self-governance.
While the colonists said the purpose of their voyage was, “for the glory of God and advancement of the Christian faith,” they maintained a person’s right to worship how they chose. This also maintained each person’s rights came from God and not the king. You should see a few familiar principles by now.
Think about the faith of the colonists and the Founders of our republic. They were members of various faiths, but they agreed that our rights were given to us by our Creator.
Even Benjamin Franklin--one of the least religious of the Founding Fathers--believed in an entity greater than man. Faith is a cornerstone of founding-era writings and our governing documents. Imagine the wisdom to agree with religious principles while recognizing the importance not to favor a specific religious doctrine.
Our history is replete with examples of courage in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Embarking on a month-long voyage across the Atlantic, enduring a brutal winter at Bunker Hill, fighting on the beaches of Normandy, or defending the Constitution in our communities are all examples of Americans rising to the occasion.
Our Founding Fathers pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to each other. To some extent we are asked to do the same today.
Each of these sacrifices are made with the hope of providing more opportunity and a better life for our children and generations unborn. Hope is derived from faith in that it requires the belief that we can affect current and future outcomes. We draw on knowledge and past experiences to make the best decisions possible. Where information is unclear or unknown, we have traditionally turned to our faith to help make decisions.
The challenges we face today are no different. The path to achieving our objectives is uncertain. Yet, we have faith that we will find the proper path. The forces aligned against the cause for liberty are significant. It takes courage to fight daily to defeat the forces of tyranny.
We have hope that our struggle will be successful, and that we will defend the principles of individual sovereignty, the rule of law, and personal property rights.
I truly believe this spirit has been awakened in America. We have the team to successfully fight this battle. Our numbers grow every day. I am so thankful for our Convention of States family.
If you feel moved to volunteer, we will welcome you with open arms. You will find you’re among friends and fellow patriots. We stand shoulder to shoulder defending liberty every day.
Take advantage of the opportunity to fellowship with family and friends this Thanksgiving in a manner you deem safe. This year more than ever, the need for love, caring and companionship is needed. Safe travels to you and your families. Reflect on how blessed we truly are.
Let’s use this time to remind ourselves again why we care, why we matter, and what we are fighting for.
In liberty,
Brett
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