Bill Harvey’s Post

"Your opponents would love you to believe it’s hopeless." ..... The 4th of July has been a federal holiday since 1941. On July 2nd in 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence from Great Britain. Two days later, delegates from the thirteen American colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, an ultimately world-changing document drafted by 33 year-old Thomas Jefferson. So we celebrate today not with marches of cannons or tanks or soldiers or fighter jets as a show of military muscle—but rather with barbecues and parades and high school bands and children waving flags and softball and rounds of tag and fireworks and ice cream cones and beach trips and (dicey) macaroni salad and lemonade at picnics where everyone eats too much. Patriotism? Today it will be a nap in a hammock. But declaring American independence was only the beginning of the fight for American independence. It would take another 11 years to write a draft of the Constitution and two more years after that to get it ratified. Even then it has required continual amending to right such staggering wrongs as slavery and the disenfranchisement of women. The debate in the Supreme Court now is whether or not the Constitution is a living document: the framework for realizing the Declaration’s bold vision of the “unalienable rights” of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” When those words were written, they were for white men. Amendments have expanded the meaning of “all men are created equal” to "everyone is created equal." But the Supreme Court’s recent ambitions, including Monday's decision on expanded immunity of the president, threaten that. It is tough to be upbeat lately. Writer Rebecca Solnit helps. She believes that hope is an embrace of the unknown. We may be living through times of unprecedented change, but in that uncertainty lies the power to influence the future. Now should not be the time to get swallowed by despair, but rather to act. "Your opponents would love you to believe that it’s hopeless, that you have no power, that there’s no reason to act, that you can’t win. Hope is a gift you don’t have to surrender, a power you don’t have to throw away.” Hope is an act of defiance. It is a spark and ongoing inspiration that the status quo can be changed. Past does not have to be prologue. Hope takes grit. Progressive constituencies have had many victories over the 248 years of our nation’s history. Grassroots movements continue to be a force for change. The transformative changes we have experienced have been nothing short of astonishing—and serve as proof that we can create better. The battle goes on. As we take stock of how far we have come and how much we have to go, I take inspiration from those who fought for our nation’s independence long ago. We can celebrate what they started and what we will, with hope, continue. Until then, my family says hello to parades and fireworks and that macaroni salad. Happy 4th from Cape Cod.

Secretary Rice is a person whom I admire and respect. In this article she offers a valuable perspective on the Juneteenth holiday, namely one that is personally experienced, felt, then examined and explored. The following excerpt I believe is especially poignant and well stated... “Despite our nation’s extraordinary founding documents about equality, this country was founded as a slave-owning state. That is our birth defect. But the words in those carefully crafted documents—written by great men who were themselves flawed human beings—ultimately lit the way toward a more perfect union. In some sense, the history of the United States is a story of striving to make their soaring words—We the People—real to every American. It’s the story of becoming what we profess to be.” This is a clear eyed, historical view which acknowledges the past, pays respect to those who came before us, and in so doing, emboldens hope for tomorrow. It is a message which unifies in a sense of kinship rather than dividing us into cliques. Such a view, when adopted, enables us to move forward in an uncertain world with confidence in who we are. Secretary Rice's proactive voice in supporting our ideals stands in stark contrast to attacks on them by external tyrants who claim our time is past. It cuts through their belligerence, exposing their own deep-seated fear of freedom’s cause and its effect on their ability to control others. Our ideals are our nation’s strength. Her message counters the domestic naysayers who buy into the narratives fomented by our adversaries: with the Right claiming American ideals as their exclusive domain, something to be contained inside borders; and the Left claiming that because of our national blemishes we are relegated to amorality - no better, no different than the cold hard realism that Russia and China prefer to squalor in. Both claiming our system is broken and that we'd be better off cutting our losses from the world, just as our adversaries want us to believe. No. Secretary Rice affirms for us that national ideals are not dead. They remain the aspirations which guide our journey. They inspire us to lead the way into a better world - not just for ourselves, but also for others. We must keep faith in them, in our system, and in each other. I personally believe these ideals of life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the recognition that all men are created equal - are divine gifts our nation has been blessed with by our Creator. And thus, no good will come from acting out of hate. Beware those who foment such things. Simply believe in our shared cause as a nation. All it takes is a personal decision. This holiday can remind us.

I must confess, I'm not usually very proud of my country these days (if I ever was). We're increasingly divided, polarized, and godless, with corruption and injustice flourishing in many areas. Neither the secular progressives nor the religious conservatives follow the teachings or example of Jesus on matters of morality, compassion, and justice. But I am thankful for my freedoms--to speak openly, even when critical of the country, and to live out my faith and my life without opposition. I admit it's easy to take those freedoms for granted, since mine have never really been under serious threat (as they have for some demographics of Americans). But I do regard those freedoms as gracious blessings from God. However, I don't think American freedoms--for myself and millions of others--have been endangered more in my lifetime than they are right now. Three years ago, Donald Trump and his followers sought to forcefully overthrow our democracy to keep him in power unlawfully after he'd lost an election. Just recently, the Supreme Court ruled that he couldn't be prosecuted for these actions in office, effectively putting him above the law. And, should Trump gain power again, conservatives are also plotting to greatly expand presidential powers and replace many government departments with those loyal to Trump and their side (go look up Project 2025 if you're not aware). I don't claim to be a legal or political expert, but many who do hold those titles are saying this effort would effectively allow a conservative president to operate as a dictator. I reject both major political parties, but in recent years and still now, the conservative Republicans have been the much greater threat to our country's democracy and freedoms, especially for those of dissenting opinions who don't fit into their mold. Conservative President Ronald Reagan once said, "Freedom is a fragile thing, and it's never more than one generation away from extinction." Regardless of which political tribe you claim, if those words resonate with you, then I hope you'll take them seriously and recognize the threat we're under now. More powerful nations than America have risen and fallen throughout history, and it's within the realm of possibility that the America of four, ten, or fifty years from now could look very different than ours does today. If you don't oppose Trump and his brand of conservatism for religious and moral reasons (as I do), then I hope you'll at least oppose them to preserve the freedom our country currently affords--not just for yourself but for every American, of all races, colors, and backgrounds. I hope you'll pray hard along with me and take a stand for liberty and justice for all. #FourthOfJuly #freedom #IndependenceDay #America #liberty #justice #Project2025

On this Independence Day I reflect upon George Washington's Farewell Address and would encourage all to read in full. "The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad, of your safety, of your prosperity, of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts...your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other... The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge...which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation on the ruins of public liberty. It serves always to distract the public councils and enfeeble the public administration. It agitates the community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments occasionally riot and insurrection... It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those entrusted with its administration, to confine themselves within their respective constitutional spheres, avoiding in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. The spirit of encroachment tends to consolidate the powers of all the departments in one and thus to create, whatever the form of government, a real despotism."

READ OR LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE - ONLY 6 MINUTES WELL WORTH YOUR TIME Reydel Santos and Veteran Housing Corp agree that 2024 is the year that will determine the fate of the great American experiment. Many in America complain bitterly when someone refers to American as a Democracy and have no reservations about reminding the rest of us that America is a "Constitutional Republic" and not a Democracy. To those who shout out at the top of their voices that America is a "Constitutional Republic", I get it and I understand your frustration, as I too, have repeated that mantra many times during my lifetime, but the more I think about what that means, the more I realize that America is not a pure "constitutional republic" in any sense of the word, because if it was so, based on the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, America should have never allowed slavery, America should not have denied women the right to vote, America should never have permitted segregated schools, America should never have . . . . . . . . . . What's the point, I could go on for quite some time elaborating reasons why America, in principle, is a constitutional republic, but in practice, it is something quite different. Just as many good people in America who claim Jesus Christ as Saviour, fail miserably when it comes to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord. How many times have we heard people say, "Christians should practice what they preach". You may not like it but maybe those who say as much are unto something and it should prompt each of us to reflect and examine ourselves (II Corinthians 13:5). It may be uncomfortable to look into a mirror that reflects who we really are, rather than who we think we are or aspire to be. I believe with all my being that 2024 will be a turning point in American and world history. Not only is our American "constitutional democracy" form of government at stake, but every freedom Americans have enjoyed for more than 240 years, imperfect as it may have been, is at stake! Judgment year has arrived: Will America pass her greatest test yet or will she fail? https://lnkd.in/eJsRqYmM

Happy 4th of July! As we celebrate our nation's independence, take a moment to read this heartfelt piece by Doug Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes, on why this holiday holds a special place in his heart. 🚀 Why the 4th of July is my favorite Holiday 🎇   By Doug Fulton The meaning of Independence Day never ceases to amaze me. How a small group of rag-tag free spirits thwarted one of the most organized navies in the civilized world and created a country out of thirteen colonies really illuminates my imagination. It shows us that anything is possible with a burning desire to overcome great obstacles. We have built a company in a nation that makes opportunity possible for anyone.  The Declaration of Independence was the culmination of events that escalated tensions between Great Britain and the American Colonies. While the colonists had “home field advantage”, they were at a serious military disadvantage, didn’t have enough funds for the fight, and had little experience- in governing or military strategy. And yet, they not only survived, they won. They won because they were flexible, inventive and motivated. Also aided by the French, and helped by the Native Americans, they carved out a new government that stands with us to this day. Here we are, 248 years later, living with the same ideals that the colonists fought for in the Revolutionary War.  As we approach the election, we need to remind ourselves that the fight for what’s right is more relevant than ever. Vote. Read the Declaration of Independence. Learn about the heroes that founded the USA like Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin. Stay informed on current issues and exercise your freedom of speech. Express your opinion. There is a reason that it is the first amendment in the Constitution.   “The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all”                                                                                         John F. Kennedy

It's easy to bitch and moan, isn't it? Most people don't like one of our apparent (?) presidential candidates. Many don't like either one. Then there's inflation, perhaps your job and ...well...we like to complain. Have I got a document for you! It's called the "Declaration of Independence"! It is the original bitch fest (for America). I am willing to bet most of the people in LinkedIn land have not read this beautiful document. It listed out what the colonies wanted in terms of self-governance and self-determination. And a lengthy list of things the British Crown was doing our founding fathers did not like. Yeah, people will nod when talking about how important this document is for them. Usually without realizing how important it was for those who signed this proverbial middle finger to King George III and company. It comes to that last line before the big signature block. "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." They put everything on the line for our fledgling country. Their lives, fortunes, and honor. That's putting your money (and your life) behind your words. Need a little patriotic pick me up? Ever find yourself wondering what America is about? The answer is in that declaration. Check out the rest of my commentary at the link below with the free (for freedom!!) subscription #America #Independence #Freedom #Liberty #Equality #UnalienableRights #Life #Liberty #PursuitofHappiness #Consentofthegoverned.

On July 4, 1776, this LinkedIn post changed the world. It’s a post that started with a list of things we should refuse to tolerate, and ended with a declaration of what we were going to do about it. Today, the Declaration of Independence is 248 years old. What we read today was not a first draft. It was NOT penned in a moment of clarity that inspired a shift in the world's future. It was NOT the product of one person's ideas or one colony's ideals. It was, without question, a representation of the ideals worth the fight. The draft was penned and edited countless times before being sent to the Continental Congress. Then, in Jefferson’s handwriting, he edited a final time before he hit “post.” The edits, remarkably, were not to add the language of grievances against King George III; they removed them. The edits removed mentions of what we were running from—a monarchy, to strengthen what we were running towards—a republic. The edits didn’t guarantee land, wealth, or happiness—only the pursuit of them. The edits didn’t crown a king, but laid the framework for the type of leadership we aspire to have. No, this isn’t fiction, this is us. Many of us talk about the Declaration of Independence, but few have read it since fourth grade. But for anyone who reads these lines, they are inspired by the words that endure. Today, you can read it and be inspired. You can dream of the people who wrote it and marvel at the courage they displayed in signing it. Then, for many of us, we can thank it for what it has done for us. As penned by Jefferson, Adams, Franklin, Sherman, and Livingston on this day, 248 years ago: _______________ The Opening To The Declaration Of Independence: “When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness….(continued).” _________________ The Founding Fathers knew that there was a time to quit tolerating—and a time to bet on themselves. They didn’t quit before they started; they started building (Continental Congress) so they could one day quit. May we all have the courage and resolve to do the same in our lives, and may we give the Founding Fathers some thanks for helping to make it possible. Today can be about boats and burgers, but it should also be about courage, leadership — and the pursuit of happiness. When the time is right, let’s be up to something. 248 years from now, you will be glad you did it. I guarantee it. #normal40 #thetrade #leadership #JFDS

In observance of Independence Day, MTG will be closed on July 4th. We will resume our regular business operations on July 5th. As we celebrate this important national holiday, we invite everyone to reflect on the significance of the Declaration of Independence and the founding principles of our nation. We hope all our employees, clients, and partners enjoy a safe and festive Fourth of July. "In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world...." Let the spirit of freedom, liberty, and our God-given rights ring as true today as they did in 1776. "No other date on the calendar more potently symbolizes all that our nation stands for than the Fourth of July." — Mac Thornberry "I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." – Abraham Lincoln "Where liberty dwells, there is my country." —Benjamin Franklin