Government - http://maxpages.com/minnickward4/DECLARATION_OF

Many years ago, when I studied American History, I didn't fully understand what I was reading. Today I read an article in the Chronicle-Telegram and I was moved. I am sharing some excerpts from that article with you. Many of the reasons the Declaration of Independence was written so many years ago, can be applied to situations we are faced with in our present-day lives here in N. Ridgeville. I hope you, too, find this information valuable reading.

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The Fourth of July is a good time to reflect our history.

Fifty-six men signed a declaration in which the "thirteen United States of America" proclaimed their independence from the English Crown. After two paragraphs filled with words that most of us recognize, the signers then listed their grievances against "the present King of Great Britain." Most of the grievances began with the words, "He has refused, He has forbidden, He has endeavored." These rebels knew what they were rebelling against and why they were rebelling.

What kind of men signed that Declaration? They were lawyers, merchants, and farmers. All were well-educated and men of means. They knew that if captured by the British, they would be executed. Many of them paid a horrible price for their rebellion. Many saw their properties destroyed. A few sold their land and homes to pay debts. Several lost all their possessions and others had their homes looted. Some died in bankruptcy or as paupers. One hid in a cave for a year, and on his return, found his wife dead and his 13 children gone.

Those who initiated this revolution were not "wild-eyed, rabble rousing ruffians." They were recognized leaders of their communities, men who had much to lose. And many did lose that which they pledged--their lives and their fortunes. Their sacred honor is our heritage.

In the Declaration of Independence, the colonists listed their grievances. The overriding complaint was that the king would not listen. In essence, the people had no means of "petitioning the government for a redress of grievances."

Here we are 224 years later, still in debt to this courageous band of men. Eventually, what grew out of the revolution was a government that has survived and allows us to be heard, "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

That right is with us on a local, state and national level. Our right to free speech and a free press is often exercised by our petitioning the government.

Whether today's "kings and queens" (N. Ridgeville's mayor and Council) will listen is another matter. Because of our Declaration of Independence (along with our local Charter and Ordinances), the people are able to petition their government for a redress of their grievances-- something our forefathers were unable to do. Presently in North Ridgeville, the people are being ignored. Nine-hundred registered voters, who signed petitions, are being denied their heritage. All they are asking is to vote on a rezoning issues that will dramatically affect the lives of each and every resident of our City forever. Is it possible that our freedom is in jeopardy today as it was so many years ago when our forefathers fought so hard for their voices to be heard? If you think this kind of thing happens only in far away places or in ancient history maybe we need to take a look at what is happening in our own back yard. Perhaps our mayor, who is a retired school teacher, and council members should review American History and begin implementing what our forefathers fought for so many years ago and won for all of us.

We have heard a great deal about our First Amendment Rights being violated. The first ten Amendments to our Constitution were ratified December 15, 1791 and are knows as the Bill of Rights. Here follows Amendments 1 and 4:

Amendment 1: 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 assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment 4: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probably cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

minnickgail@hotmail.com

Page Updated Fri Oct 1, 2004 10:58pm EDT