Pete Hendrickson (@LostHorizons)

It's Declaration Day ...and this is not mere rhetoric. AS LONG-TIME READERS OF THESE PAGES are aware, it is my tradition at this time of the year (and often at the beginning of a new year) to post the admittedly rather oratorical observations and admonitions related to Declaration Day which follow. What I fear that too few understand is that these stirring words are not offered as entertainment. Nor are they a theatrical pose. Similarly, these observations and admonitions that follow are not offered in order to inspire noble thoughts and day dreams with which to occupy one's mind while grilling Fourth of July burgers and dogs, or while watching firework displays. They are, rather, meant to inspire serious recognition of unsettling truths about our current American situation and trajectory and resolute corrective action. They are, rather, meant to remind us that those firework displays are reenactments of deadly-serious battles that had to be fought, and real sacrifices that had to be made, in order to bless this land and those fortunate enough to live in it with liberty and the rule of law, and that those blessings do not sustain themselves. Instead, those blessings must be defended and nourished and celebrated every day-- still by battles and sacrifices-- in order to preserve them in the face of constant, sophisticated attack by their enemies. Continued: https://losthorizons.com/N/200.htm#1