“No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.”

How often we turn away when it doesn't effect our freedom...

What words ring more true in this day and age... when so many in our own government are so eager to take our freedoms from us.

question to the dumbass from Reston VA. do you understand what this quote is saying...it is coming from an American war hero. its saying people like you dont deserve freedom because you dont have the balls to fight for it. you can always talk shit about your country and govt but why dont you think about what gives you the right to. and if you say the constitution gives you theatright you will only be proving your stupidity

So having balls makes you a hero??? what crap...
This is what's wrong with American society - unless you are macho, religious, and waving the flag, you are not deserving of freedom.... It reminds me of gen Patton hitting a soldier because he was coward... Also of the courageous people that refused to fight (conscientious objectors) - they truly had more courage.... It's time for all good people to put down their weapons and wars would finish tomorrow. The old argument of defense and protecting property will keep us from this objective.

Thank you Robert of St. Emilion.
I have a question for Anonymous of USN. For what purpose did the 60,000 Americans die in Viet Nam? Glory. That's all.

" Vigilant in it preservation " Most that would conscientiously object to self sacrifice for the sake of another, have not learned the lesson so dear to life. I can speak, from first hand experience. I know, and have learned this very lesson in my life, my life in pearl for speaking up for another fellow Marine, then after receiving, my honorable discharge. Freedom and Rights returned to me and allowed to reach for my dreams in life. Our Liberty and Freedom in this nation, come by way of blood and faith. I enlisted in the United States Marine Core at 17 years old, A good rebellious young man needing a lesson, in life, liberty and freedom with responsibility. It took 11 more years, at 28 years old, to get the Picture and finally sink in, to my arrogant self serving mindset. Then only wishing I could have stayed in the Core and been of that few, who are willing to sacrifice for others, their lives, which are so dear to them. The moral guide post within the mind of man, followed , preserves Liberty and integrity of the individual. It is the most valuable thing I have found in my life, whether rich or poor. It is the test of how we endure affliction, that tempers and hones ones life, and shapes us into what we are. Ancient and old ways are like old tools that keep a sharp edge. They are timeless and always will remain so. God Bless the Free Republic of the USA. Semper Fi.

Amen to the above from Ronw13.

"Universal military training" should be re-esatablished for ALL American Citizens. 18 months of service in some form for both men & women.

Marine Corps was a very good thing for me. Joined in 1958 because we had to serve for 6 years of reserve & active duty.

For those who are against violence, serve in hospitals.

Semper Fi.

B

Splitting the quote; each and every, any and all man (men) is entitled to the blessings of freedom. (PERIOD ! ! !) Here, a giant 'BUT', is, unless such person (individually and in concert) be vigilant in preserving natural law, justice, liberty and 'FREEDOM', said endowed state (a faculty of birth - all rights are inalienable, including the right to freedom) will be frustrated by the efforts of tyrannical despots. By way of example; Amerika today is governed by an occupying status theocracy with no concerns for freedom, It seems the majority of such theocracy's patrons have not been vigilant in preserving freedom but rather, in succumbing to usurpation, a slave's life, perpetual war and all else that is anti-freedom.

Walter Clark, Vietnam was all about making money for LBJ and his buddies. So many stupid people voted for him after he had JFK killed.

While I agree whole heartedly with what he said I find it sadly ironic that he and Eisenhower were in charge of driving out the WW1 vets peaceably assembled in make shift camps wanting the bonuses they were promised for enlisting. Their camps and belongings were destroyed and many were injured.

Good point, Mike. If the words "is entitled to " were changed to "may expect," it would be more accurate. However, when spoken by statists, "the blessings of freedom" is double-speak for "the spoils" and "be vigilant in its preservation" means "serve the State". The quote serves as a dual message -- one for the masses, one for the statists.

@Robert, the wars will end when you stop defending yourself and the ideals you hold dear. There is no avoiding the struggle in this life. There is only to take your stand. Others may join you while others may face off. You may make your argument -- do you insist on agreement? How far will you go to make your case, or defend your life for that matter? How far will another go to change you? And how much collective power should be focused on individual ideas?

What you really ought to focus on is becoming independent rather than trying to fix a system of entitlement. Statism is just another religion which worships the power of the State.