I've just read my Glenn Beck Program newsletter for July 3, 2009, and found it very interesting.

Glenn wrote, "At some point during the day, I hope you'll take time to think and reflect on what it is we're truly celebrating on the 4th of July -- our Independence Day. Of course the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th, 1776 but it's so much more than that. On this day, 233 short years ago, a small group of men dedicated themselves to a higher purpose, an ideal they believed in so greatly, they signed their name to its expression and in doing so put their very lives at risk. Never has a simple act of signing one's name carried such weight, such a profound commitment. By signing the Declaration of Independence, 56 men stood in direct defiance of the British government. They became marked men, and willingly so. As I was doing some research on the significance of July 4th, I came across some interesting facts about these men. Today as we all enjoy the freedom our forefathers guaranteed us, join me in honoring the extraordinary sacrifice of 56 extraordinary Americans.

Of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence:

Five were captured by the British as traitors, and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes burned to the ground. Two lost sons serving in the Revolutionary Army, and two more had sons captured. Nine fought and died in the Revolutionary War. If you ever feel like your lone voice can never be heard, that the political system isn't set up for "regular" Americans to change the course of history, remember: The signers were flesh and blood, mortal men with a divinely-inspired aim.

Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, and nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were well educated, smart enough to know that by signing the Declaration of Independence, they were signing their own death warrants. They did it anyway, and God bless them for it."

These men took a chance, a long-shot, and jeopardized everything they had, even their lives for a the hope of liberty and the freedom of self-reliance.

What are we prepared to do? The comfort zone you live in, the safety-net that is your little world is now jeopardized. The future of you and your children's tomorrow is now sacrificed for the pursuits of the elite, who see you only as an economic number. Who have embraced a post-Modernist society to the degree that it has image and appearance as more important than character, tolerance means you MUST validate everyone's beliefs, and the Western culture is oppressive.

So, I ask again, what are we (YOU) prepared to do? If you're afraid, get brave; if you feel weak, get empowered; if you feel alone, rally your neighbors. Those of us of faith, seek God's wisdom and direction. Those without, you really should get it. You'll be needing it!

The time for talk and half-measures is over. These 56 men, these founding fathers of our country, risked it all for a glimpse, a whisper of something no one had ever had before in the history of the world. We can't just let it all slip away. How much more should we be willing to sacrifice now to keep it?

Also, I'm beginning to get a little leery of some of the media ranters alleging to be for us.