Letter II

“Freedom has more often been lost in small steps by progressive incrementalism, than it has been by catastrophic upheavals such as violence or war.” – James Madison

Dear Untold Story,

I have been awakened from a slumber of complacency to find myself in a disturbing reality.

We are like a man who has inherited a lovely classic car and parked it in the garage, never giving it much thought, always assuming it would be there. It was promised to him – technically, it had belonged to him his entire life.

Then, one day, he wanted to take a joy ride. He hopped in and eagerly turned the key. Memories of the sunny Sunday afternoon car rides of his childhood rushed to mind and he held his breath, waiting for the elation that would be ignited by the roaring engine. To his dismay, the long-neglected legacy would not start, and the bitter decay of rust is discovered to be eating away at his beloved inheritance.

I thought I loved my inheritance, but I realize now I never cared enough to preserve it. I find myself feeling woefully incapable of maintaining the treasure I was given, a treasure which has degraded to a shameful state because of my ignorance.

We may have failed to realize that this has not come upon us suddenly, rather, a path has been taken that has led to a threat upon our freedom, as James Madison noted in his quote at the beginning of this letter.

What must we do to preserve the precious gift of liberty which we inherited? I believe there are five important pillars critical for upholding blessed liberty. She requires each of us take action in order to secure her for posterity.

The First Pillar ~ Know Your History

“Who are you, that you do not know your history?”

Ulysses from the Fallout: New Vegas game utters a poignant reminder that none of us are above the history which has shaped our present, and that we should strive to know where and what we come from.

History can be ugly, but it can be equally as beautiful. You cannot have one without the other because we live in an imperfect world. But there is good, and it will prevail. It is our duty to know and understand our history that we may strive to repeat the good and actively avoid replicating the bad.

To know our history, we must read historical books, watch informational videos and historically-accurate movies, visit museums, etc.

For how can we hope to avoid past mistakes if we do not know what those mistakes were?

The Second Pillar ~ Share Your Knowledge

Throughout my life, I have had the privilege of hearing my grandpa’s stories of his time serving in our country’s military. I pictured him hurrying about the deck of the massive ship of rigid metal, bravely fulfilling commands no matter the situation, whether safe or dangerous.

My papa risked his life, in essence risked my very existence, for the preservation of this country’s Constitution and everything it defines as true and right. He is not the only one in my family to act so heroically. You may be able to recount similar stories of your own.

It is vital we share our knowledge of history and our experiences in serving this democracy with others, especially with our children. The stories I heard as a child are so ingrained in me, they have become part of my existence. And I am very thankful for it.

John Adams said, “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present Generation to preserve your Freedom! I hope you will make a good Use of it. If you do not, I shall repent in Heaven that I Ever took half the Pains to preserve it.”

May we make good use of the knowledge we have that we may do our part to preserve this country for posterity!

The Third Pillar ~ Be Moral and Religious

I understand many do not appreciate mixing politics and religion; but I entreat you to bear with me, Untold Story, and read the following, brief paragraphs.

In his letter to the Massachusetts Militia, dated October 11, 1798, John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

Are we moral, are we religious, Untold Story?

Ought we be surprised we have awoken to find ourselves in just such a predicament? What do we need to do in order to become a people able to be governed by our Constitution?

We can begin with the simplest of acts – love. It begins with the way you treat others. It takes one simple act of kindness – one call to a lonely relative, one email to check in a coworker, one small gift to someone in need. The change, the journey begins with you, Untold Story.

The Fourth Pillar ~ Participate in Government

From long ago, men knew the consequences of a lack of involvement in politics. Plato said, “One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.”

I understand it can be daunting to know where to begin. Find your state and federal representatives. I recommend beginning with locating your representatives in the State Legislature, which consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate; and your representatives in the Congress, where there is also a House of Representatives and Senate. Emails and phone numbers will be listed online and they welcome communication from you – you are their constituents. The job description of our representatives is to carry out the will of the people. Do not be afraid, Untold Story, to make your voice heard.

Perhaps you have already contacted your representatives and they have either not responded or not responded in the way you would have preferred. Carefully consider if perhaps you ought to get involved directly and effect the change you want to see take place in this country.

We are a government of the people, by the people, for the people. If the people do not get involved, we will no longer be able to uphold our democracy.

As John F. Kennedy said so well, we must “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country.” Our country needs us. Such a democracy does not exist without the people!

The Fifth Pillar ~ Fight

The last of the pillars upholding liberty is one which can be as disagreeable as it is honorable – the fight for liberty.

“They that fight for freedom undertake The noblest cause mankind can have at stake,” William Cowper said.

Fighting does not take place on a battlefield alone, though liberty has been defended by the shedding of blood before and likely will be again.

Fighting also applies to everyday interactions you may have – opportunities to take a stand for what is right, true, and just.

“At all times, day by day, we have to continue fighting for freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom from want – for these are things that must be gained in peace as well as in war.”

Eleanor Roosevelt explained it well, reiterating the need for being involved in government and politics not only when major events are occurring, but also as part of our daily lives.

Each of us has a role in supporting the gift we have been given. Liberty must be upheld and maintained by the present generation so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

I would see you awaken from your slumber, dear Untold Story. I would see you do your part to uphold precious liberty.

Ever may we strive to deserve its holy light!

For Liberty!

J. R. Brierley