4th of July: An Independence That Was Meant to Be

Contrary to what's taught to our children--that which is left out of most American history primers--many of the Colonists were not pro-revolution. Some were pro-English or loyalists and some not sure they wanted to make the sacrifice to seek independence from the mother country. After all, many the colonists fought were friends and families from the home country, a country that many loved regardless of its shortcomings.

But over the course of time, a miracle occurred that pushed the majority to support the revolution that would lead to a country of most prolific freedoms. It occurred when an uneducated common man, a failed businessman, excise officer, preacher, teacher, who barely avoided debtor prison, came to America. Divorced and distraught, he came with ideas of independence and the promoting of the common man. After all, it was only common sense.

Common Sense, written by The Father of the American Revolution, Thomas Paine, sold 100,000 copies in three months, an equivalent today of an unheard of 15 million copies, certainly a runaway bestseller. But this book was not just to entertain but to move the common man to action. Being of common stock and having been put through the indifferent and spiteful royal system in Britain, Paine wrote simply in simple terms with great emotion and precision of thought to encourage not only independence but the beat down of an unrighteous nation.

However, not all believed Common Sense to be a great work to motivate man to action of great purpose. Some loyalists, of course, attacked it, but even Revolutionaries like John Adams called it a "crapulous mass." Nevertheless, it was read by individuals to themselves and to others in groups large and small, in churches, homes, and meeting houses across young America. It certainly had a galvanizing effect and was a major reason for the conversion of many to the revolutionary cause. All the more amazing for it was written by an uneducated man of no stature and little means, one who was failed at everything except that of motivating people to come together for one of the greatest causes known to humankind: the creation of a country designed to give the common man the greatest of freedoms and opportunity.

Another miracle to occur was the winning of the American Revolution by a ragtag group of soldiers, militia and regulars, who were highly undisciplined and on paper no match for the Red Coats, regimented and thoroughly trained regulars second to none.

In the first year of war, George Washington (an inexperienced general), won nary a battle. In late December and early January he did finally win but rather small skirmishes no battles of significance, certainly nothing to write home about. But it did allow him to keep his job. Just like fans who want the coach of a losing team to be replaced, many clamored for Washington's replacement until he began winning.

But even little miracles helped this experiment along, like the fog that fell over cornered American troops on Long Island during one of the revolution's early battles.

General Howe's troops had Washington's troops cornered on Brooklyn Heights with their backs against the wall. With the East River behind them, for sure, not only was the battle over but the war as well. Washington felt this too but did not express his concern to his soldiers, even though many felt it themselves. However, for whatever reason, Howe waited and did not attack that evening. He waited for sunrise.

Through good fortune or divine intervention, during the night a fog came in, a fog that was so thick one could barely see several feet away, a perfect cover for retreat. One lieutenant said that in all his years of fighting he had never seen such a fortuitous situation like it. It was a minor miracle. For the lives of the soldiers involved, certainly a major miracle.

Troops moved slowly throughout the night, boarding boats and making their way to mainland New York. By the time Howe's troops appeared, all were gone.

Perfect timing? Luck? A miracle? You judge. Circumstance that allowed the Great Democratic Experiment to continue? Certainly.

Even in the overall picture, Washington lost more battles than he won. But through on-the-job training, wise and intelligent adaptive measures, Washington ultimately won the war enabling this great American Experiment to take place.

Another miracle that occurred came about because of a ragtag group of soldiers that through training and purpose became experienced soldiers, enough so to defeat "superior" British troops. But this next miracle occurred after the war in times of relative peace.

Benjamin Franklin, our most beloved Founding Father, tells us of this miracle in his short speech before the Constitutional Convention and his acceptance of this new law of the land:

"I doubt . . . whether any other convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution; for, when you assemble a number of men, to have the advantage of their joint wisdom, you inevitably assemble with those men all their prejudices, their passions, their errors of opinion, their local interests, and their selfish views. From such an assembly can a perfect production be expected? It therefore astonishes me, sir, to find this system approaching so near to perfection as it does."

Here's to this astonishing document, this miracle extraordinaire and to all those who sacrificed life and limb, father and son, mother and daughter, comfort and ease, to the building up of this greatest and most free of countries.

This July 4, may we honor all those who have sacrificed and died for this country. May we all lay down a few moments of our time to honor and pray for those who have given the greatest gift of all: lives for the greater good, for the billions who have and are able to live free of political persecution without just cause, for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

And finally, may we appreciate circumstances small and large that along the way came about to aid those in bringing this great country to light.

So help us God. Amen.