Thoughts from Mr. Adams on Independence Day

What is must have been to grow up as John Quincy Adams. The son of the second President of the United States, JQ grew up seeing what the American Revolution was all about. His father was there in 1776 when the Declaration was signed. His father's second cousin, Samuel Adams, was active in showcasing the abuse and injustice perpetrated by the Crown. He accompanied his father throughout Europe and took note of the many complexities that shape the world. Adams took these observations with him later in life when he served as Secretary of State under President James Madison. It was in this role that JQA gave a stirring speech that is as relevant today as it was back then. Adams stated:

Wherever the standard of freedom and Independence has been or shall be unfurled, there will her [America's] heart, her benedictions and her prayers be. But she goes not abroad, in search of monsters to destroy. She might become the dictatress of the world. She would be no longer the ruler of her own spirit.... Her glory is not dominion, but liberty. Her march is the march of mind. She has a spear and a shield; but the motto upon her shield is Freedom, Independence, Peace. This has been her declaration: this has been, as far as her necessary intercourse with the rest of mankind would permit, her practice.
My countrymen, fellow-citizens, and friends; could that Spirit, which dictated the Declaration we have this day read, that Spirit, which “prefers before all temples the upright heart and pure,” at this moment descend from his habitation in the skies, and within this hall, in language audible to mortal ears, address each one of us, here assem-bled, our beloved country, Britannia ruler of the waves, and every individual among the sceptred lords of humankind; his words would be,
“Go thou and do likewise!”

Do we go out and seek monsters to destroy? There is no doubt that America has entagled itself in the affairs of others---many times justified, other times not. But there is no doubt that America's heart truly is with the world. Mistakes surely have been made since the founding, but there is no doubt that America's impact on the world has been one that is positive. Remember the greatness of America this Fourth of July. And listen to that Spirit that guided the founders and "go and do likewise."


Here is a little bonus video that gives me chills every time I watch it. After watching this, ask yourself "who would be our man on the white horse?"