Freedom

We decided to celebrate Independence Day with a road trip to see how folks were dealing with “these trying times” as we so frequently hear on television. The answer is that in our part of rural America most people just want to get on with life. Yes, there were masks, there were stores with signs saying, “Closed indefinitely due to COVID-19” and there were people who politely put on their masks when entering a business. The vast majority, however, seemed to be defiant of the “masking” orders. 

Our trip took us on about a 450 mile jaunt that covered parts of three states. We saw red, white and blue colors and we also saw signs of cancelled celebrations. I think there are pockets of the Spirit of 1776 that still live, but the vast majority have surrendered to the Nanny State. Even here in the heart of what the coast-dwellers would call flyover country, it would be a 50-50 proposition if it came to resistance to the powers that be. 

Where have the freedom-loving patriots gone?

The ones who rant on social media

Yet, cower within their caves?

Those who would defy are blue-collar,

Tattooed and struggling,

Yet they yearn most deeply for freedom. 

The Spirit of 1776 lived in those who had most to lose;

Ship owners and Planters and those who held power. 

Today’s analogs are first to bend the knee. 

The next uprising will swell from those who do the work,

Not those who produce nothing yet breathe the air of privilege. 

It’s no wonder dissatisfaction runs rampant among the poor. 

The conditions are ripe.

The seeds are planted, fertilized and watered.

Who will provide direction to the masses?

If patriots would step forward to solve the issues that stir

Deep within the masses, there might yet come salvation for our country;

If not, we will fall to the forces of evil which seek only destruction and enslavement. 

Rise up Patriots. 

Lift up your fellow man. 

Remove his grievances 

Or, fall.