GEORGE WASHINGTON STATED

Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' liberty teeth.



First Inaugural Address of George Washington...April 30, 1789

The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Abraham Lincoln said:

"In this age, and in this country, public sentiment is everything. With it, nothing can fail; against it nothing can suceed. Whoever molds public sentiment goes deeper than he who enacts statutes, or pronounces judicial decisions."

James Madison Declared

The adversaries of the Constitution seem to have lost sight of the PEOPLE altogether in their reasonings on this subject; and to have viewed these different establishments not only as mutual rivals and enemies, but as uncontrolled by any common superior in their efforts to usurp the authorities of each other. These gentlemen must be reminded of their error. They must be told that the ULTIMATE AUTHORITY, wherever the derivative may be found, RESIDES IN THE PEOPLE ALONE. (Federalist Papers, No. 46, p.294; emphasis added.)

Monday, June 23, 2008

Family

Yesterday, Sunday, June 22nd we had a family get together at our home. The "we" consisted of my first and only wife of, going on 42 years, and me. The family consisted of four out of six adult children, their husbands and wives and their children (seven) and my daughter-in-law's mom and grand mom. Now that is leaving out two other adult children, their spouses and four other grand kids. We have been, so far, blessed with eleven grandchildren. We were celebrating a late Father's Day and two late birthdays and one birthday yet to come...we don't believe in wasting time, food or money. Actually its probably because we just don't want to have to clean the house four times...get all this partying over and just clean once and feed once. Getting old you sometimes get smarter.
During the course of the get together (organized family chaos-fun) I thought were did all the almost 65 years go since I was born....obviously I then realized that those 65 years were before my very eyes...an investment in marriage, family...love...relationships and something that you can't put into words but you feel in the very core of your being.
All the other things we, my wife and I did during the course of our lives were important but were ancillary to having a family, grand kids and hopefully great grand kids. That was my insight while I went to sleep totally exhausted that night. Pleasant dreams!
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3 comments:

McGuff said...

That was so sweet!! We had a wonderful day with you guys too. The boys always love getting a chance to visit with you guys and it had been way too long. My mom and my nana enjoyed the day as well and loved being able to see all of you. Thank you for having them over and making them feel so welcome! We love you guys and we can't wait until we can celebrate 40+ years of marriage just like you are doing. You are the reason that Phil is the wonderful and amazing husband and father that he is because of the example that you have shown and continue to show! Love you always ~ Molly

June 23, 2008 at 2:45 PM
Coleman Family Facts said...

We had fun and loved seeing you and mom. It is such a sweet thing you said and even though we are crazy sometimes, we are family.

June 24, 2008 at 6:23 PM
Gus said...

All the time with family counts, Rich. Sometimes we wonder if we've done the right things, at the right times, in the right ways. What we can do is the best that we can do at the time. And, then, when we look back, we can see that we did it right. Thanks for sharing your special day with the world.

June 24, 2008 at 11:36 PM

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