What will we pledge this July 4th?

The Declaration of Independence ends with this sentence:

And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The signers meant it when they pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. That level of commitment would be required to win the Revolutionary War and secure the colonies’ independence from a tyrannical king.

Our nation is now headed by a tyrant who threatens our most valued freedoms. As a result, many of us have sprung into action. I’ve certainly been more politically active these past two years than ever before, investing time, effort, and money in this fight.

But when I re-read the Declaration’s last line, I realize that my commitment pales by comparison. So this Independence Day, I’m asking myself and all of you these questions:

• Do we believe the threat to our nation is real?

• Who will protect the freedoms we value, if not us?

• The Declaration's signers were ready to sacrifice everything; what are we willing to do?

May we be inspired by the courage of our founders to do the right thing for our nation's future.