As we are on the eve of the 4th of July--or as I refer to it--the National Day of Civil Disobedience, I believe it is important to reinforce the uniqueness of our nation. Despite all our problems, people are still fighting to get into this nation and anyone can leave if they want. We don’t have to force people to stay.
Some have dared to suggest that the mob violence against people and property are equivalent to the Boston Tea Party where masqueraded people dumped valuable tea into the harbor. There was no representative government at that point. There was no ballot box or even a delegated voice to plead with the king. For several years, the Americans pleaded with the king to stop a series of unilateral actions, but with no success.
Today we have an established, representative government. The only requirements for voting is to be a U.S. citizen and 18 years old. You don’t have to be rich, famous, a landowner, or a majority to get to vote or run for office.
The violence we have seen is not revolutionary, it’s anarchy! People have died, lives destroyed, personal property obliterated, historic monuments desecrated. None of which has anything to do with police violence or racial prejudice.
The patriots didn’t sink the ships, shoot the guards, rampage the city, or even assault the kings’ representatives. They sank the tea, which was the focal point of the issue. They insulted the government's strategy of bringing in subsidized tea to lower the cost and thus get them to agree to the tax in kind, by the purchase of cheaper tea. So the patriots eliminated the temptation to purchase the cheaper tea.
These riots are no tea party.
From our pulpits, let’s take the time to speak Truth. The courageous and patriotic American pastors of that day were named the “Black Robe Regiment” by the British because they wore black robes when they preached. (Because of their stand and influence, the British even blamed the Black Robe Regiment for American independence.) The little king knew the BIG King had some serious followers.
This Sunday, let’s pray, preach, and sing the Truth without equivocation.
By Keith Tucci, NRP Apostolic Team Leader