NightJumper 0 #1 July 2, 2003 Have you ever wondered what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence? Five signers were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army; another had two sons captured. Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War. They signed and they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. What kind of men were they? Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists. Eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners; men of means, well educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured. Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his Ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and died in rags. Thomas McKeam was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly. He served in the Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding. His possessions were taken from him, and poverty was his reward. Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinnett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton. At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr., noted that the British General Cornwallis, had taken over the Nelson home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire. The home was destroyed, and Nelson died bankrupt. Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed. The enemy jailed his wife, and she died within a few months. John Hart was driven from his wife's bedside as she was dying. Their 13 children fled for their lives. His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste. For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished. Some of us take these liberties so much for granted, but we shouldn't. So, take a few minutes while enjoying your 4th of July holiday and silently thank these patriots. It's not much to ask for the price they paid. Remember: freedom is never free! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThighMan 5 #2 July 2, 2003 Amen. Thanks for the look back. That might be why America sends its' sons and daughters into danger. So others can have freedom. On a personnel note, Thank you all for the support you show the military. Have a safe weekend. PatrickAirborne Blue Skies, No Wind Feet and Knees Together Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #3 July 2, 2003 Another example of what goes on behind the scenes, some people ignore these facts and take their 'freedom' and 'liberties' for granted when sometimes they should stop and ask themselves Where all this came from?. Thanks you, to all the veterans and patriots who gave their lives for us and gave us this wonderful country called The United States Of America. Happy 4th of July, and let's keep America beautiful.__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,175 #4 July 2, 2003 Professional parade-rainer here: Snopes Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skymut 0 #5 July 2, 2003 QuoteProfessional parade-rainer here: Snopes Wendy W. Yea well... Regardless, we in America (self included) take our freedom for granted just about every day we wake up. Matt A well-informed person is somebody who has the same views and opinions as yours. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #6 July 2, 2003 The Declaration of Independence is the "SWEETEST" piece of paper that ever had a pen laid to it. ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #7 July 2, 2003 It is not only the sweetest but the greatest.....What other nation in the world has ever had a long running, uninterrupted democracy for over 200 years? NONE! God bless America, it valiant soldiers past, present and future, and all those who have made sacrifices to preserve the very ideals that the declaration of indepence and the consitituion declare.... Blue skies!"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #8 July 2, 2003 QuoteIt is not only the sweetest but the greatest.....What other nation in the world has ever had a long running, uninterrupted democracy for over 200 years? NONE! Psssst. Switzerland. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JamesNahikian 0 #9 July 2, 2003 The Declaration of Independence is the "SWEETEST" piece of paper that ever had a pen laid to it. _________________________________________________ I dunno, that Constitution-thingie's pretty SCHWEET. D. James Nahikian CHICAGO Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #10 July 2, 2003 QuoteThe Declaration of Independence is the "SWEETEST" piece of paper that ever had a pen laid to it. wasnt it a QUILL? I dont think BIC was around yet.My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #11 July 2, 2003 QuoteQuoteIt is not only the sweetest but the greatest.....What other nation in the world has ever had a long running, uninterrupted democracy for over 200 years? NONE! Psssst. Switzerland. Hey Kevin, I believe my comment said UNINTERRUPTED.... For references please click here http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0861401.html"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #12 July 2, 2003 QuoteQuoteQuoteIt is not only the sweetest but the greatest.....What other nation in the world has ever had a long running, uninterrupted democracy for over 200 years? NONE! Psssst. Switzerland. Hey Kevin, I believe my comment said UNINTERRUPTED.... For references please click here http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0861401.html Ok...clicked and read. What did I miss? I don't see any mention of a change from democracy and back. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChileRelleno 0 #13 July 2, 2003 If I want any lip out of you I'll rattle my zipper! "SWEET" ChileRelleno-Rodriguez Bro#414 Hellfish#511,MuffBro#3532,AnvilBro#9, D24868 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #14 July 2, 2003 QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIt is not only the sweetest but the greatest.....What other nation in the world has ever had a long running, uninterrupted democracy for over 200 years? NONE! Psssst. Switzerland. Ok...clicked and read. What did I miss? I don't see any mention of a change from democracy and back. You missed the part on the 1798 - 1803 FRENCH INVASION....as well as the SWISS OLIGHARCHY.... Just under the title INTERNAL CONFLICT and CONSOLIDATION. You probably don't realize that their constitution was enacted some 60 years after the US......http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0861400.html"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jtval 0 #15 July 2, 2003 QuoteIf I want any lip out of you I'll rattle my zipper! "SWEET" HAHAHAHAH! (kelso voice) BURNNNNNN!!(kelso voice)My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhillyKev 0 #16 July 2, 2003 Hmmm....well unless I'm misreading that, the oligarchy ruled until the French invasion, which ended in 1803, which happens to be 200 years ago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites juanesky 0 #17 July 2, 2003 And you live in Philadelphia?????Perhaps you should take a reading to the declaration of indepence, July 4, 1776??????????????????????/ Did I miss somthing that you did not? Let me know...Thanks and blue skies man...."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites PhillyKev 0 #18 July 2, 2003 I didn't say Switzerland was before us. You said no one else has been democratic for 200 years, but they have, or pretty damn close anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites juanesky 0 #19 July 2, 2003 Kevin, I apologize on the fact that I probably was a little strong about my response to your comments, they never been my intention to subdue anyone of thinkking the way they do, after all, this is the main principle of democracy to express themselves freely as they wish, but the fact is that the current world situation, is in fact worrisome, and some of the ideals are fading away in many of new and not so new nations, you don’t need to look far from home and see that countries very close to us such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and not so close (most muslim states, that do not separate religion and politics), are currently pushing the world backwards, instead of moving it forwards. I am a person full of defects like everyone else, but am willing to fight and make sacrifices for the very ideals this nation stands for (and willing to concede that it is not perfect also), it is my experience that in most countries that I’ve been, the sentiment is the same about who was first to conceived the ideals of democracy and keep them, but there is no nation in this planet that has maintained it as this one has. Although there were serious discrepancies since the inception where “all men are created equal” yet there was slavery in place. I think it is important for all of us to recognize all the sacrifices past, present and future, of the people that do sacrifice their own wellfare to fight for these ideals. As a matter of fact I did have a discussion not long ago with my own mother who still insist that is the French revolution that came first, regardless to the fact that it came after the declaration of independence was signed….. Blue skies! And keep safe (ALL OF YOU) during this weekend!"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
jtval 0 #15 July 2, 2003 QuoteIf I want any lip out of you I'll rattle my zipper! "SWEET" HAHAHAHAH! (kelso voice) BURNNNNNN!!(kelso voice)My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #16 July 2, 2003 Hmmm....well unless I'm misreading that, the oligarchy ruled until the French invasion, which ended in 1803, which happens to be 200 years ago. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #17 July 2, 2003 And you live in Philadelphia?????Perhaps you should take a reading to the declaration of indepence, July 4, 1776??????????????????????/ Did I miss somthing that you did not? Let me know...Thanks and blue skies man...."According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #18 July 2, 2003 I didn't say Switzerland was before us. You said no one else has been democratic for 200 years, but they have, or pretty damn close anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
juanesky 0 #19 July 2, 2003 Kevin, I apologize on the fact that I probably was a little strong about my response to your comments, they never been my intention to subdue anyone of thinkking the way they do, after all, this is the main principle of democracy to express themselves freely as they wish, but the fact is that the current world situation, is in fact worrisome, and some of the ideals are fading away in many of new and not so new nations, you don’t need to look far from home and see that countries very close to us such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and not so close (most muslim states, that do not separate religion and politics), are currently pushing the world backwards, instead of moving it forwards. I am a person full of defects like everyone else, but am willing to fight and make sacrifices for the very ideals this nation stands for (and willing to concede that it is not perfect also), it is my experience that in most countries that I’ve been, the sentiment is the same about who was first to conceived the ideals of democracy and keep them, but there is no nation in this planet that has maintained it as this one has. Although there were serious discrepancies since the inception where “all men are created equal” yet there was slavery in place. I think it is important for all of us to recognize all the sacrifices past, present and future, of the people that do sacrifice their own wellfare to fight for these ideals. As a matter of fact I did have a discussion not long ago with my own mother who still insist that is the French revolution that came first, regardless to the fact that it came after the declaration of independence was signed….. Blue skies! And keep safe (ALL OF YOU) during this weekend!"According to some of the conservatives here, it sounds like it's fine to beat your wide - as long as she had it coming." -Billvon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
