Is Defending the U.S. Constitution a Priority in 2010?
IS THE SPIRIT OF ‘76 STILL ALIVE IN AMERICA?

by John F. Sweeney

A painting depicting the events of July 9, 1776, when George Washington read the Declaration of Independence on the New York City Commons, after which the Sons of Liberty pulled down the statue of King George III

(Jul. 1, 2010) — In 2001, the U.S. felt the horror of militant Islamic terrorists whose goal was to terrify and paralyze the people of the United States and the world. As time has shown, they failed in their effort.

But now, almost nine years later, we find uncertainty that seems to attack our sense of purpose as a nation. We are involved in two theaters of military operations that take their toll on American soldiers almost every day, with possibly a third theater on the horizon; our economy struggles mightily; our government enacts laws counter to the wishes of the majority of its citizens on a regular basis; and we have the largest environmental disaster creeping ever closer our shores. As the saying goes: if you are not concerned, you are not paying attention.

But let’s not allow our concerns turn into fear, and let’s not forget our unique role in this world. The United States has always had and will always have its struggles. It will always sacrifice for what is right. And it will falter at times, but it will right itself. With all the challenges facing this nation, now is the time to remind ourselves and our children of the unique role of this nation. It is the beacon of the world. It may appear that many of our national leaders have forgotten this, but we must not forget why this nation is blessed, why we must never give up and why we will not fail.

I wrote this in the fall of 2001, shortly after the terrorist attacks:

Terrorist:

So this is what you think Jihad is? Killing, murdering. For what? You don’t even know. Is it for rewards in the afterlife? Is it to establish a radical fundamentalist Islamic world?

Jihad is not a war but a struggle; at least that’s what we have been told. If that is the case, then maybe we can explain to you why your destruction is now certain. It is because as Americans we too have a Jihad.

Since 1776 we have had a Jihad, although we do not use that term. It is called the defense of the Constitution of the United States. This document and its ideals established a representative republican form of government which provides freedom and liberty to Americans. It also provides the entire world with an example of how a government “of the people, by the people and for the people’â€