Tag Archives: colonists

Declaration

Declaration: (n) an announcement

It is virtually impossible to think about the word “declaration” without completing it with “of Independence.”

You know why?

They lucked out.

In other words, if they had declared independence and lost the war, we would be looking for a declaration of something else.

And keep in mind, our forefathers tried real hard to lose.

If you study history, their habits, prejudices and analyze their whining, it’s a wonder they were able to actually put together the document itself.

If there is a possible way to do it wrong, the Continental Congress, George Washington and all the colonists found it.

They didn’t know what they were doing.

Mistakes were made.

Maybe before starting a war, you could have an army. And in the process of gathering that army, you could make sure they had guns, food to eat, and refrained from shooting each other.

The thirteen colonies did not agree on anything.

Except all of them hated King George.

King George III has been documented by history to be certifiably insane.

If there had been a nicer or better king in England, we all would be eating a helluva lot more fish and chips.

So in the pursuit of a declaration, keep in mind that someone might come along and stick a musket up your nose and say, “Prove it.”

When this happens?

Be prepared to fumble, falter and fail your way to freedom.

 

Colonist

Colonist: (n) a settler in or inhabitant of a colony

I like to believe I’m tough. In other words, able to handle challenges.

Recently, when I found myself stowed away during a hurricane, I was surprised at what a dependent, selfish and fussy child I could become just through inconvenience.

It was hot, confined and the food was a post-Apocalyptic menu. I nearly cried.

So when I think about the colonists who settled the United States, I am baffled. The ignorance, self-righteousness, arrogance and short-sightedness they brought with them in settling the New World is mind-boggling.

Didn’t they realize they were starting all over again and there would be huge changes? That big black-rimmed hats and dark, heavy woolen clothes might not be
 ideal for the climate.

They also brought over a religion suited for parlor talk, now being tested in the dungeons of challenge.

And then I think to myself, they were really pretty brave.

How would I have been any different?

Would I have landed on the shore, walked around for a couple of weeks and concluded that I was going to have to pursue a completely different lifestyle, or else I would die from exposure–or even a common cold. Yes, the colonists had few remedies for sickness, and the ones they had were notorious for making you sicker.

Actually, it is quite remarkable and magnificent that they were able to muster enough flexibility and common sense to push on through.

It’s not easy being a colonist.

I occasionally discover that I am marooned in a new situation, very grateful that I’m not alone–that I at least have one or two buddies with me to help me survive all the frightening surprises.

Yes, all of us are really colonists–pitching our tents here on Earth for less than a century. We will be replaced quite soon–and truthfully, it won’t be that hard.

 

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