As I awoke on the 236th birthday of our country, I noticed a feeling of shame. Every Independence Day, I make it a conscious effort to reflect on the quotation "Well, doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" "A republic, if you can keep it."
This quotation occurred at the close of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 between Benjamin Franklin and Dr. James McHenry. I also reflect upon the resolve of those who risked it all: property, wealth and potentially their lives if things did not turn out the way history resulted.
For 235 years, we the people with clear conscious could celebrate the birth of this great nation with no guilt or shame.
Now I am overwhelmed with shame that under my watch, we are letting the republic slip through our fingers without a fight. Many believe the only reason the Revolutionary War was fought was for "taxation with out representation."
But there was also the concern of freedom of religion. Both freedom of religion and taxation are under severe attack from our three tyrannical branches of government.
As I watched the news, I found it ironic that the fuses of fireworks celebrations were extinguished in various parts of the country because of the risks of fire. I am disgusted as we watch the last remaining sparks of this republic flicker like the last quarter inch of a sparkler until it too is extinguished.
I can no longer sit and watch a government force religious organizations to contribute to practices that are directly against its belief.
I can no longer watch a government tell us we cannot drink sodas larger then 16 ounces.
If we don't soon turn this ship around we will no longer be celebrating Independence Day but Dependence Day.
Joe Mercer, Duncansville
