Declaration of Independence Illegal - A Nation of Hypocrites

Remember that story in school about how our founding fathers overthrew a tyrannical government?  Do you recall celebrating these acts of heroism and American excellence?  Well, apparently some Brits say it was an illegal act and Abe Lincoln would agree.  


Secession from government, which no longer serves the people, is the duty of every American according to the Declaration of Independence.

"Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."  

To the British, however, secession isn't the legal or proper tool by which to settle internal disputes. "What if Texas decided today it wanted to secede from the Union? Lincoln made the case against secession and he was right," they argue in their brief.  This is a good point for the Brits.  Lincoln certainly was a hypocrite when he ordered his general to march through the south and slaughter men, women, and children.  It was known as Sherman's march and ultimately led to the end of the civil war for independence.  When Lincoln said secession from the tyranny of American federal government is illegal, he never seemed to make comparisons or reconcile his philosophy with the war for independence from British rule.  


It is amazing that there are any Americans today who would argue against the American tradition of overthrowing tyranny.  There are more than you might expect.  Remember the deal with Texas threatening to secede?  The Federal government quickly swooped in and threatened to shut down all air traffic in the state.  The governor quickly folded to pressure.  I wonder when states will actually follow through with secession?  I wonder how many innocent people the Federal government will kill in response?  The Feds have been gearing up to take on the American people for decades now and I hope we never have to see a civil war in this country again.  However, it is impossible for a politician to give up their power.  Let's pray that enough people are awakened to the ideas of liberty before large scale violence ever breaks out.


When I first read the BBC article headline, I laughed out loud.  Then after reading it I cried.  The defenders of American secession never addressed the issue with Texas nor did they address the civil war.  Essentially it seems like they all agree that secession is only good if you are overthrowing a government from across the sea.  If the government at home is tyrannical, then we should just hold signs and protest so cops can single you out and tase your face.  At least that's how I read into this story.  They completely side stepped the bigger issue of secession.  They ignored the philosophical nature of the act of withdrawing consent.  I wish I were there to argue the case for American freedom.  I suppose I will have to settle for making the case on my blog.