There is a reason it won so many Emmys!

Gabe and I have been watching this miniseries, John Adams which (as you may have already figured out) details our second president's life - from his time as an attorney before the Revolutionary War to the end of his life. It is truly remarkable to see these iconic figures brought to life. The DVDs have this nifty feature, too. If you choose to use it you will see historical facts pop up in accordance with the show. It seems that the creators of this miniseries took great care to honor history... a refreshing change from the Hollywood productions we are usually fed. I have been brought to tears numerous times by learning how it was for our forefathers and what they believed so deeply. They faced death by hanging on the charge of treason because they demanded to be treated fairly (in fact it wasn't their intent to start a new country at first; only civility). It not only makes me so proud of my country and so grateful to have been born a citizen to it, but the exposure also causes me to grieve for the precious liberties we abuse and, to our great detriment, ignore. The whole reason we have this country is because a group of people felt that they were endowed with basic rights as human beings created by a loving God. The Declaration of Independence wasn't drafted for a nation, but for it's people. Thomas Jefferson believed that each individual person living on the planet deserved the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" among other freedoms... So too do we deserve them. When I see small freedoms taken away it hurts me the way it hurts a child betrayed by her parents. I read the Declaration and realize a profound truth: our government is not to rule us, but to ensure that we are fully taking advantage of the rights that no one but God can grant. If you have not seen this miniseries I highly suggest you watch it (and, for that matter, I suggest reading at least the Declaration of Independence - the Constitution is more difficult though so I am trying to find some commentary). It will remind you why it is so important to not stick with the status quo; why exactly you feel so full of pride when you hear the national anthem. We have been given (and I do mean given in the purest sense of the word as we have done virtually nothing to secure the liberties stained with our ancestors blood) a beautiful, unique and priceless gift. We have to do nothing but protect what has already been laid out for us. Unlike those brave men (and the women who held down the homefront) we do not have to fight a brutal war against a powerful nation. We have only to stand up to the evils which insist on taking away even the smallest of our liberties. Why do we refuse to stand up for our rights? Our rights to privacy, to assembly, to free speech, to due process, to bear arms... when these things are threatened why are we so slow to defend them? The work has been done for us... Ashamed, I wonder whether or not we are worthy of the lives we have cost.

This was the accepted National Anthem until 1931 when the Star Spangled Banner became the official anthem... I think that Hail, Columbia encompasses more of America's spirit...

Hail Columbia, happy land!

Hail, ye heroes, heav'n-born band,

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,

Who fought and bled in freedom's cause,

And when the storm of war was gone

Enjoy'd the peace your valor won.

Let independence be our boast,

Ever mindful what it cost;

Ever grateful for the prize,

Let its altar reach the skies.

Chorus

Firm, united let us be,

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

Immortal patriots, rise once more,

Defend your rights, defend your shore!

Let no rude foe, with impious hand,

Let no rude foe, with impious hand,

Invade the shrine where sacred lies

Of toil and blood, the well-earned prize,

While off'ring peace, sincere and just,

In Heaven's we place a manly trust,

That truth and justice will prevail,

And every scheme of bondage fail.

Chorus

Firm, united let us be,

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

Behold the chief who now commands,

Once more to serve his country stands.

The rock on which the storm will break,

The rock on which the storm will break,

But armed in virtue, firm, and true,

His hopes are fixed on Heav'n and you.

When hope was sinking in dismay,

When glooms obscured Columbia's day,

His steady mind, from changes free,

Resolved on death or liberty.

Chorus

Firm, united let us be,

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.

Sound, sound the trump of fame,

Let Washington's great fame

Ring through the world with loud applause,

Ring through the world with loud applause,

Let ev'ry clime to freedom dear,

Listen with a joyful ear,

With equal skill, with God-like pow'r

He governs in the fearful hour

Of horrid war, or guides with ease

The happier time of honest peace.

Chorus

Firm, united let us be,

Rallying round our liberty,

As a band of brothers joined,

Peace and safety we shall find.