The above is lifted out of context from an old Janis Joplin song. But it does reflect, I think, the view of all too many among us. For them, freedom is just something that exists. It has always been, and always will be, ours by right. There is no need to fight for it and it is certainly not important enough to justify any sacrifice on our part to extend its benefits to others.
This is not new view. Our country has always had many who can justify endangering future security for peace and comfort today. Although they would never use these words, their actions proclaim: Yes, our children may suffer, but that is a problem for the future to deal with. Why should we make any sacrifice now? Or, as long as we can enjoy the benefits of freedom, why should we bear any burden to share this blessing with others?
Two centuries ago this view had its advocates who felt just as strongly then as their counterparts do today. On the surface, they had reason to despair. George Washington had been driven from New York and, as 1777 drew to a close, the British army was threatening Philadelphia. The American cause had achieved only a string of mistakes and defeats for all of its efforts.
That is when Thomas Paine began a series of pamphlets that later came to be called “The Crisis”. The first was published on December 23, 1777. George Washington was so impressed by Paine’s analysis of the fight for freedom, that he had the entire article read to inspire his troops just before they boarded boats to cross the icy Delaware River. The Christmas Eve attack on the Hessian soldiers in Trenton was Washington’s boldest move during the war, and raised hope throughout the nation that the cause of freedom was not lost.
Below, I quote excerpts from The Crisis. You will find some of the phrases familiar. I think that much would be gained if our country read and thought upon these words today. They are as meaningful now as they were 229 years ago.
Please see “The Crisis” for the full text.
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. . .
“. . . a noted one [Tory], who kept a tavern at Amboy, was standing at his door, with as pretty a child in his hand, about eight or nine years old, as I ever saw, and after speaking his mind as freely as he thought was prudent, finished with this unfatherly expression, "Well! give me peace in my day." Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place, and a generous parent should have said, "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace;" and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to awaken every man to duty. . .”
This is not new view. Our country has always had many who can justify endangering future security for peace and comfort today. Although they would never use these words, their actions proclaim: Yes, our children may suffer, but that is a problem for the future to deal with. Why should we make any sacrifice now? Or, as long as we can enjoy the benefits of freedom, why should we bear any burden to share this blessing with others?
Two centuries ago this view had its advocates who felt just as strongly then as their counterparts do today. On the surface, they had reason to despair. George Washington had been driven from New York and, as 1777 drew to a close, the British army was threatening Philadelphia. The American cause had achieved only a string of mistakes and defeats for all of its efforts.
That is when Thomas Paine began a series of pamphlets that later came to be called “The Crisis”. The first was published on December 23, 1777. George Washington was so impressed by Paine’s analysis of the fight for freedom, that he had the entire article read to inspire his troops just before they boarded boats to cross the icy Delaware River. The Christmas Eve attack on the Hessian soldiers in Trenton was Washington’s boldest move during the war, and raised hope throughout the nation that the cause of freedom was not lost.
Below, I quote excerpts from The Crisis. You will find some of the phrases familiar. I think that much would be gained if our country read and thought upon these words today. They are as meaningful now as they were 229 years ago.
Please see “The Crisis” for the full text.
“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. . .
“. . . a noted one [Tory], who kept a tavern at Amboy, was standing at his door, with as pretty a child in his hand, about eight or nine years old, as I ever saw, and after speaking his mind as freely as he thought was prudent, finished with this unfatherly expression, "Well! give me peace in my day." Not a man lives on the continent but fully believes that a separation must some time or other finally take place, and a generous parent should have said, "If there must be trouble, let it be in my day, that my child may have peace;" and this single reflection, well applied, is sufficient to awaken every man to duty. . .”
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