Many Have Died For It; Our Duty is to Live For It

January 25, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · Leave a Comment 

One of the best examples of public virtue in the Revolutionary War period was John Hart. He was a farmer, known throughout his state as “Honest John Hart.” He served with distinction in the pre-Revolutionary legislatures of New Jersey, and was one of the first to recognize the tyranny of the Stamp Act. During the enemy invasion of New Jersey, Hart was besieged in his farmhouse. His wife lay dying at the time, and he refused to leave her. After her death he managed to make his escape at the age of 65, and for a year was hunted through the woods, where he existed as an exile and fugitive, eluding every effort of his pursuers, hiding in caves. Hessian mercenaries destroyed his farm, livestock, mills, and property. An old man, he never lost his spirit, and joined Washington’s army as a private after the battle of Princeton. He died at the age of 68, having given his life, liberty, wife, and property to the cause of freedom.

Unlike the John Hart, most of us will probably not have to suffer so much and die defending freedom. However, our duty is perhaps more difficult: to live a life of virtue, courage, and contribution in the midst of relative ease and prosperity. There are many who claim that they would die for their freedom, yet they fail to live for it on a consistent basis. Our average voting percentage for presidential elections is barely over 50%, and between 1960 and 1990, America saw a 560% increase in violent crime, a 419% increase in illegitimate births, a quadrupling of divorce rates, a tripling of the percentage of children living in single-parent homes, more than a 200% increase in teenage suicides, and a drop of almost 80 points in SAT scores (see full report here).

Many of our ancestors displayed their virtue by dying for the cause of freedom; we must show ours by living the cause daily.

Move the Cause of Liberty by (1) subscribing to the Sentinel, a free weekly newsletter boldly illuminating the principles of freedom in a darkening nation, and (2) pledging your Life, Liberty, and Sacred Honor to the Cause by signing the Declaration of Dependence.

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Copyright © 2008 by The Cause of Liberty. All rights reserved.

Filed under: Heroism, Liberty, Virtue
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What is True Philanthropy?

January 24, 2008 by Stephen Palmer · Leave a Comment 

 

True philanthropy is done selflessly to benefit those to whom we give, and without thought to what we will receive from them in return. True giving ennobles and exalts both givers and receivers and leads to widespread, equitable, and sustainable prosperity. It is an act of love, dignity, and respect done by humble servants.

Selfish giving occurs when we give to fulfill our own needs for personal gratification, ostentatious display to achieve praise, or twisted desires to patronize others. False philanthropy is motivated by power, selfishness, and condescension by those wanting to be masters. It leads to forced wealth distribution, brings out the worst in human nature, and results in an irresponsible society operating under a crippling sense of entitlement.

As you seek opportunities to help others, do so as a servant who views all human beings equally, not as a master seeking to control or manipulate your supposed beneficiaries. Equitable societies can only be achieved through voluntary public virtue, never through forced distribution.

Move the Cause of Liberty by (1) subscribing to the Sentinel, a free weekly newsletter boldly illuminating the principles of freedom in a darkening nation, and (2) pledging your Life, Liberty, and Sacred Honor to the Cause by signing the Declaration of Dependence.

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Filed under: Virtue
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