Things You Hear in the Night

Those who know me know I do not sleep well. I spend many hours of the night listening to talk radio. I have become intimate with many late night talk show hosts and quite a few very strange guests.

During the many wakeful hours of last night, I heard something that had me greatly disturbe. One of the many newscasts aired a report on Obama's Whistle-Stop speech. This is what I heard our President-elect say,

"What's required is a new declaration of independence, not just in our nation, but in our own lives, our own hearts - from ideology and small thinking, prejudice and bigotry and narrow interests..."

A new Declaration of Independence...are you kidding me? Did I hear what I just heard? Hasn't the one we have had for more than 200 years been pretty okay?

So I got up this morning and did my research. It is not a bad speech. If you haven't seen it or read it you should. He certainly knows how to motivate. He is a powerful speaker. But I am still somewhat taken aback by his statement. I don't think we need a new Declaration of Independence. I think the one we have has stood the test of time.

Actually I think what is missing in this country is the memory of what made it great and, well Barack, I think you might have said it best,

"More than once did ordinary men, fishermen, laborers, and craftsmen who called themselves an army face the prospects of defeat. And yet, they were willing to put all they were and all they had on the line - their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor - for a set of ideals that continue to light the world. That we are equal. That our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness come not from our laws, but from our maker. And that a government of, by, and for the people can certainly endure."

That's right Barack, it is us...the men and women who put you in this wonderful grand house of white (though not my vote) and it is us who can take you out of that wonderful house of white. So take care of what you say and do. Protect our rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Because if you don't, "...whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

That's in the old Declaration of Independence...hey maybe that is why he wants a new one!