I previously mentioned that I’ve “dialed back” my exposure to talk radio, in order to maintain positive mental health. But I can never resist occasionally tuning in. Today I heard this little nugget that I thought was worth mentioning. It is true and right and beautiful. Like many things its power lies in its simplicity:
“The bigger the government, the smaller the citizens.”
Let that marinate and I’ll add my two cents in a subsequent post.
Happy mental health!
I ran into Office Depot today to get some nice, resume quality paper – something I like to keep on hand . Though I didn’t have a particular brand in mind I wanted it to have a good look and feel, preferably 100% cotton and ivory in color. I found a box that met my requirements, grabbed it, and rushed over to checkout. As the cashier bagged my purchase, the box flipped over and I caught a glimpse of Abraham Lincoln printed on the back of the packaging. I was instantly transfixed but snapped out of it as I felt the cashier’s impatient gaze. I hurriedly paid, while commenting that I was a history buff and couldn’t wait to find out why Lincoln’s picture was on the box!
When I got in my car, I pulled out the paper and feasted my eyes on the following:
Inscription on the box of Southworth paper I purchased today.
The message beside Lincoln’s image reads: “WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR DOCUMENT CONVEY? For generations, people have been relying on Southworth papers to provide greater impact to their ideas. In fact, President Lincoln chose Southworth paper to accept Stephen Douglas’s invitation to debate, documenting the seriousness and historic nature of the event. . .”
While I recognize that only those closest to me – those who have shared the 2 1/2 year journey of bringingThe Liberty Brand (TLB) to life- can fully appreciate the impact of this revelation, I , nevertheless, couldn’t resist sharing and noting it. That it occurred in February, mere days away from Lincoln’s birthday, amplified its impact. Lincoln’s understanding of the relationship between the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence is central to The Liberty Brand’s message.
Canvas of promotional poster highlighting the choice America faces today
In fact, at Christmas my sister-in-law presented me with a canvas of a promotional poster designed to capture these sentiments and serve as a focal point in TLBCo.’s flagship shop.
While updating TLB’s Facebook page with the latest sales promotion, a familiar face flashed across my screen – the image of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman. Hot off the press was the news that the award-winning actor was found dead in his NYC apartment at the age of 46 of an apparent drug overdose. Out of curiosity I “googled” the phrase “actor dies of drug overdose” and stared at the images of seemingly, endless photos of accomplished people – all shapes, sizes, ages, and colors. Perhaps cliche to say, it’s nevertheless worth noting that talent, fame, and fortune are not guarantees of happiness. They are fleeting. And this is self evident. So what is permanent?
The Founding Fathers had an answer for this. With knowledge of Old Testament prophets, Ancient Greek Philosophers, and Christianity, they devised a government whose purpose is human happiness – the American Republic. Carefully divided and arranged powers are based on “The Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God”, in other words, fixed and discoverable laws. Citizens must “figure out what is true and good and beautiful and conform our lives to those standards that come from nature, do not change, and are not to be voted on”, according to Hillsdale professor Terrence Moore. Advice worth considering. And according to the founding claim, it ennobles the individual.
Hearts and February go together, as do patriotic thoughts to those who know something about American history. Several of our greatest citizens – Presidents, no less – were born in February. Washington, Lincoln, and Reagan are some that come to mind. Whether providing the first, best example of the American character, preserving the union, or recalling Americans to our founding principles, they all loved America deeply and served her faithfully. From time to time America requires that of her citizens – to rise to the occasion. Today is one such occasion.
Judge L. Hand (yes, that was actually his name) once said: “Liberty lives in the hearts of men and women; when it dies there, no constitution, no law, no court can save it;” So have a heart, America, literally! And show liberty still lives in yours. Check out TLBCo.’s purple heart magnet, on sale at our shops through President’s Day.
http://www.thelibertybrand.com/magnetLLH.html
I must confess THIS is the photo I wanted to include in my previous post about the birthday parties that I’ve been throwing for the Constitution the last several years at my kids’ elementary school. It’s a “double” cookie cake because this was the most cost-effective way to have cakes for both 4th grade classes. The kids love it because it has lots of icing; I like it because I have them spell out “We the People” on the document, providing a nice lead-in to our discussion. We talk about how in the American form of government, uniquely, sovereignty or power resides outside the government with the people.
Calling my daughter – Anne – “Super Annie” is an inside, family joke. We all precede our name with “Super” when we think we’ve done something really outstanding. I started the tradition by calling myself “Super Mom”, many times jokingly, when I do the things all moms are tasked with – many times simultaneously. I even received “Super Mom” PJs one year as a Mother’s Day present! In this particular case, Anne earned the distinction. After lamenting the fact that I knew I had a photo of one of the Constitution Day cookie cakes but couldn’t find the photo to include with my post, she went straight to our desktop computer and produced it! Better late than never? Thanks, “Super Annie!”
The Liberty Belle Blog 