Last week my column discussed our collective need to work on “Improving Our Communication Skills.” The previous editorial discussed “Starting the Investment,” specifically thinking about a summer reading list for those graduating from Middle School. “Starting the Investment,” compared the relative maturity of young men and women graduating from the 8th grade 100 years ago to today, and recommended a book, Do Hard Things, written by modern teenagers, sharing history of some heroic teens of other era’s, as an inspiration for today’s teens to initiate a “rebelution against low expectations!” Yes, it’s a play on words, combining rebel and revolution. Their website is www.TheRebelution.com.
This week, as Independence Day celebrations approach, we should remember the American Patriots who simply wanted individual liberty were considered rebels and that their effort began formally legislatively, but ultimately led to a revolution. In that light as we consider how to improve our communication skills about our struggle for liberty today, I urge all of us to add two books to our summer reading list, which I believe will expand our thoughts about what the celebrations this coming weekend really mean.
The financial entanglements our ancestors fought against prior to our first Independence Day were far less significant than the financial entanglements we face today. Today our central government rewards itself and “the players” both inside and outside of government for doing the exact opposite of what we celebrate this weekend. Expanding dependency has become the largest byproduct of virtually every government program. Yet this weekend we continue to celebrate independence and liberty, while at the same time embracing policies which limit choice and increase dependence. I find this curious, and troubling.
The two books I recommend are:
- Rediscovering Americanism released this past Tuesday by Mark Levin.
- The 5,000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen
Future editorials will disc
uss the books in more detail. I am confident that some of the polarized advocates I referenced in last week’s “Improving our Communication Skills” will have choice words about the first author. When you find those, remember, they are attacking a person, but not the content. Remember, that tactic is an effort to stop discussion by demeaning the person. I call on all of us to do and demand better, and I hope you will too!
As you read the books and have thoughts about the content, I would love to discuss the thoughts with you either on the Edgefield Advertiser editorial page, where this will be posted, or on my Facebook page, where it will also be posted.
Here’s wishing you a very rewarding Independence Day Weekend Celebration with family and friends.
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