Chuck Baldwin: REMEMBERING THE ALAMO
By Chuck Baldwin
February 23, 2010
NewsWithViews.com
February 23 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the battle of the Alamo back in 1836. For more than 13 days, 186 brave and determined patriots withstood Santa Anna's seasoned army of over 4,000 troops. To a man, the defenders of that mission fort knew they would never leave those ramparts alive. They had several opportunities to leave and live. Yet, they chose to fight and die. How foolish they must look to this generation of spoiled Americans.
It is difficult to recall that stouthearted men such as Davy Crockett (a nationally known frontiersman and former congressman), Will Travis (only 23 years old with a little baby at home), and Jim Bowie (a wealthy landowner with properties on both sides of the Rio Grande) really existed. These were real men with real dreams and real desires. Real blood flowed through their veins. They loved their families and enjoyed life as much as any of us do. There was something different about them, however. They possessed a commitment to liberty that transcended personal safety and comfort.
Liberty is an easy word to say, but it is a hard word to live up to. Freedom has little to do with financial gain or personal pleasure. Accompanying Freedom is her constant and unattractive companion, Responsibility. Neither is she an only child. Patriotism and Morality are her sisters. They are inseparable: destroy one and all will die.
Early in the siege, Travis wrote these words to the people of Texas: "Fellow Citizens & Compatriots: I am besieged by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna. . . . The enemy has demanded a surrender at discretion, otherwise the garrison are to be put to the sword . . . I have answered the demand with a cannon shot & our flag still waves proudly from the walls. I shall never surrender or retreat. . . . VICTORY OR DEATH! P.S. The Lord is on our side. . . ."
As you read those words, remember that Travis and the others did not have the A.C.L.U., P.E.T.A., People for the un-American Way, and the National Education Association telling them how intolerant and narrow-minded their notions of honor and patriotism were. A hostile media did not constantly castigate them as a bunch of wild-eyed extremists. As schoolchildren, they were not taught that their forefathers were nothing more than racist jerks.
The brave men at the Alamo labored under the belief that America (and Texas) really was "the land of the free and the home of the brave." They believed God was on their side and that the freedom of future generations depended on their courage and resolve. They further believed their posterity would remember their sacrifice as an act of love and devotion. It all looks pale now.
continued:
Also posted here:
http://www.the912project.us/forum/topics/remembering-the-ala...
they need are help more than we do.
The DP is proof that the grassroots support for Ron Paul and his peaceful message of individual liberty is large, real, and not going away!
The fighters may have thought
The fighters may have thought they were fighting for freedom and God, but they were wrong, just as they are wrong today. This continues the glorification of war. The Alamo was just another war to strengthen the state.
You dear, sound like one of the 'spoiled' Americans who
know nothing of this history except what the popular socialist/atheist, Howard Zinn, wrote of America taking so many details out of context to make the case for further regulation and big government through 'guilt'.
And the youth of course buy it because it was mandatory reading in many college American history courses. Without original sources it is very difficult to discern what is true and what is not.
This was not the 'glorification' of war but the defense of boundaries and liberty. Only those who were so determined won out. This is not the same at all as the 'real glorification of war' seen today propagandized by the military complex. No, not the same at all.
When these folks claimed God on their side it was for the moral/spiritual aspect of their struggle certainly NOT the glorification of war. War is a disgusting evil but at times necessary should offensive forces attempt invasion, murder and destruction.
So. If you lived in those times what would you have done? Allow Mexican forces to rape, pillage and detroy your territory?
But we shouldn't despair. There is a rise of curiosity regarding the 'mystical side' of the founders these days just as there are equal attempts to discredit their honor and manhood.
The pendulum is swinging back to the middle.
And what about us?
What about the Patriot movement/Ron Paul Revolution/Tea Party/whateveryouwanttocallit? Are we fighting for the state, or our freedom? Are we willing to sacrifice our lives in order to let our sons live a more free life, or are we just wrong to do it at all?
Just picking your brain.
Josh Davis
The Currency of Democracy
LIVE every other Wednesday at 7:00 on DCAT
Danvers, MA
josda1000@hotmail.com
www.twitter.com/CurOfDemocracy
You're not fighting
When did the definition of the word 'fighting' expand to include begging, in various forms, your masters to play by the rules that they write and interpret?
BTW.. violence solves no problems, it only creates them.
another excellent article
another excellent article written by chuck.
Am still unable to read Travis' Letter
without tears pouring.
I Love Texas
.
.