Viewpoint / Walter “Skip” Claypool / Chester Township

July 2, 2020

America was created by people who cherished personal liberty, the rule of law and freedom from tyranny.

The Declaration of Independence was a statement directed to King George III of Great Britain from a people (Americans) standing strong against his authoritarian government. It introduced a basic concept that all “men/women” have been given, by their creator, “unalienable” rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. All of us, no matter our politics, can unite around these fundamental principles.

These rights are called natural rights and are not given to us by government; therefore, they cannot be taken from us by government. The Declaration of Independence was the foundation for the Constitution and these principles/values were enshrined into our constitution through amendments:  free speech, freedom of religion, freedom to assemble, freedom of expression, etc.

Millions died to create this new nation and to defend its values and principles. A movement was created before, during, and after the creation of the constitution to end the practice of slavery and more than 500,000 brave souls died to make that happen.

Americans of all races have died and worked to deliver on the promises of our founding ideals.  Our system of free enterprise has lifted more people out of poverty and created a global prosperity greater than any other in history. We have a system that, while not perfect, has responded to social challenges with positive change.

Everyone in America has an equal opportunity. And, Americans have a history of defending the weak and oppressed and resisting tyranny.

We are living in a unique time and are again challenged by those who would destroy liberty for authoritarianism. We are seeing calls for Marxism and Socialism from the ignorant or those seeking power. Talk to those who have moved to America from Africa, Russia, Communist China, or Cuba and ask their opinions on Marxism/Socialism.

We are having a national debate about race that is enabled by the principles in our Constitution and protected by its mechanisms. We are in a great struggle and I am praying that reason will prevail.

I am praying that people of common sense and good judgement will find the courage to step up and again defend the core values that created this nation. I am bothered by shrinking violets that are too shy, to self-serving, or too ignorant to defend basic truths. We live in the greatest nation on the earth.

I ask you to celebrate freedom on July 4th wherever you are. There is a vehicle procession for independence in Chesterland. (See the ad in this paper.) Let this be a day that unites us as we remember what we have in common.

Let’s thank God for a county that offers freedoms others dream about. And let’s celebrate our fundamental God-given right to assemble and express ourselves.

Join me in saying thanks to our veterans, law enforcement and first responders.  (Wear a mask and distance.)