Letter I

“Liberty must at all hazards be supported. We have a right to it, derived from our Maker. But if we had not, our fathers have earned and bought it for us, at the expense of their ease, their estates, their pleasure, and their blood.” – John Adams

Dear Untold Story,

According to Merriam-Webster, liberty is the power of choice. Freedom to choose, each man for himself, is the right of every human being.

The Bible was a vital resource our founding fathers consulted as they determined the principles that would create the foundation of the United States of America. The Bible established our absolute right to liberty:

“For you were called to freedom, brothers…” – Galatians 5:13

“But if serving the Lord seem undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…” – Joshua 24:15

Our forefathers understood the importance of independence:

“Our unalterable resolution should be to be free.” – Samuel Adams

“Hence ‘Tis a Common Observation here that our Cause is the Cause of all Mankind; and that we are fighting for their Liberty in defending our own.” – Benjamin Franklin

Liberty does not exist if the peoples’ voice is muted. Voting is one of the most powerful ways we can make our opinion known. If the right to choose our leaders becomes only a façade, what are we left with? We will be bound to the whims and wills of others – to a government too large and meddling, too eager to steal our pursuit of happiness.

Arizona’s constitution clearly defines this basic liberty in section 21: “All elections shall be free and equal, and no power, civil or military, shall at any time interfere to prevent the free exercise of the right of suffrage.”

Though never pleasant for any citizen, contesting an election’s fairness does not swim against the current of a free democracy; in fact, it protects democracy. Elections ought to be contested when there is suspicion from either party. What if they are right? Would it not benefit all to take the time to ensure this pillar of liberty stands firm?

Do not fear liberty, dear Untold Story, though it is a thing greater than you. It is greater than me. It is an absolute truth, and ought never be lowered to subjective thinking. Liberty is in the very blood that courses through our veins and spurs our heart to action.

Liberty is a thing greater than life itself, as has been proven time and again by those willing to sacrifice their lives to ensure precious Liberty is there to wrap her arms of protection and prosperity around our posterity.

As our forefathers did, so we must stand upon the pillars of truth and justice and make our appeal to men. We must use the tools given in that great, God-ordained Constitution; and let our representatives know what is the will of the people.

We must be the John Hancock of our time, and sign our name larger than anyone else by inundating local leaders and representatives with calls, letters, and petitions until our voice cannot be ignored. The government must know the will of its people.

Do you want your state to continue on its current path?

Is your leadership making decisions in the best interest of the people?

Are the systems being used in your state’s elections as secure as you deserve?

Liberty is a right granted us by our Creator. May we never complacently wallow in our good fortune. “Liberty, once lost, is lost forever,” John Adams said. We must strive to deserve that great blessing which our forefathers sacrificed so much to give.

“But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? … Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot?” – Patrick Henry

I appeal to you – take courage! No darkness was overcome by waiting, by watching.

These times are a part of our tale, dear Untold Story. It is up to us to make these times what we want them to be. Change is accomplished by action, and now is the time to appeal to men.

For Liberty!

J. R. Brierley