The Real Defenders of Freedom - A Memorial Day Message

The Real Defenders of Freedom
A Memorial Day Message
by Royce Carlson

This Memorial Day we again take a holiday to honor those who have fought to protect the U.S. and its allies from attack. The military is considered by most to be the defender of freedom and the American way of life. The freedoms and ways of life that we ask our armies to protect are, more often than not, threatened even more during times of war. This threat comes from our own government, not from foreign aggressors. Since the military follows the dictates of the government who, then, do we turn to?

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America has felt the sting of terrorism this last year and one of the government’s responses has been to propose new laws that restrict some of our freedoms. The military is useful to protect our lives if they are threatened but who protects our freedoms?

The real defenders of freedom are radical activists. Surprised? Don’t be! If you think about the freedoms you enjoy today you will realize that those freedoms are the result of activism, not military power. Blacks would still be slaves if it weren’t for activists. Women would still be unable to vote. There would be no American Disabilities Act, no unions, and no civil rights amendment. Without activists, our water and air would be more polluted than they are and children would be still be forced to work in factories with little or no pay. Freedom of speech would be only a dream. The United States would not exist as we know it.

Our country was founded by activists. The Boston Tea Party, if it were to occur today, would be considered a terrorist act. The right to keep and bear arms was put into the constitution so that the people could rise up against the government if it became oppressive. This is radical! "God forbid we should ever be 20 years without a rebellion," said Thomas Jefferson. Throughout our history, social justice has been championed by activists. Their disruptive activities have constantly forced the government to create good laws that probably would have never been created otherwise. This is as true now as it was when the United States was created via revolution over 225 years ago.

If you want to serve your country and serve the cause of freedom, joining the army is an option, of course. An even better choice might be to become an activist instead. Be proud to stand up to power and corruption. Be proud to defend America’s citizens by standing against those that seek to diminish our rights. It’s not easy work. The pay is low or non-existent and the battles can be long, dangerous and confusing. There is a real risk of death or imprisonment. It is heroic work and very necessary.

When you think of America as a free country, thank activists for making it so. If they were not constantly watching our government and industries for unfairness, greed, and corruption, and speaking out against it, America would not be free. This Memorial Day, in addition to the military, why not honor the activists, too.

How can you best honor the activists that have fought and died for our freedoms? Become one!

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