A stark contrast on Independence Day
- Posted by Chris on July 4th, 2008 filed in Barack Obama, General, Politics
As the US of A is on the verge of electing it’s first black man for president, I would like to offer the stark contrast between our possible first black president and one of our first black immigrants: James Armistead.
This black immigrant was a slave in bondage. He had no money, no property, nothing. What he did have was the unstoppable spirit that was typical in Americans and makes this country what it is. George Washington and the rag tag American rebels were finally starting to turn the tide. A slave by the name of James saw a chance to help and asked his master if he could join the cause. He joined the army serving General Lafayette as a spy. He slipped away and joined Cornwallis’ British army and took up a role as slave to the officers. He moved throughout them offering drinks, food, cleanup. All the while, he listened in on their plans. The officers didn’t care. After all, he was just a slave. What can a slave do? After getting their plans, he would slip back to the Americans and let them know exactly what the plans were. The Americans would adjust their tactics and suddenly the war turned. Now the Brits were being beaten soundly. Back and forth James went. From the Americans to the Brits. If he had been caught, he would have been drawn and quartered or hung or shot or what ever death the commander wanted to mete out. Against all that, he continued to feed the Americans all the information they needed. The intelligence he captured was what handed the Americans the final win at Yorktown. When the war was over, William Armistead petitioned the legislature for James’ freedom. With that and a letter commendation from General Lafayette he was granted his freedom and made a citizen. He took the family name of his previous owner and became James Armistead. He went on to be a farmer with a wife and several children.
Contrast that to what our current “wants to be the first black president” is offering. Government “serving” jobs. Making middle and high school kids a servant to the government to get their diploma. Government servitude to get grants. More programs to keep people in slavery to the government. Vague ideals that can never be defined but will have billions spent trying to be realized. Taxes to punish people/companies who take risks.
James was offered the freedom to make his way. To succeed or fail in the American dream. He did so. So can every American who believes. Obama offers us a government that would take the dreams of some to pad the dreams of others. A government to be our nanny from birth to death sapping us of our initiative. Some contrast.
So on this Independence day, keep in mind the founding spirit of the USA. James showed the American ideal at its best. Take the initiative. Sieze the oppurtunity and take the risk. The reward can be great. Don’t settle for those that say “you can’t do it, let us do it instead.” Don’t settle for second rate lowered expectations. If we keep going down the path we’re on, all Independence day will be is a day to drink and blow up fireworks and not a day to remember anything.
Tersosity » James Armistead says:
[...] The shocking thing is I’d never heard of him. Shouldn’t every kid learn about someone that impressive and important in history in school? Oh wait, I went to public schools… [...]
Chris says:
No, you didn’t and neither did I. I was taught who he was by Thomas Sowell. It was in one of his columns many years ago. There’s a small blurb on wikipedia but you’d think that if you wanted a hero to the black community, James Armistead would have his national day along side MLK. But since it doesn’t promote the “America torn by racial hatred” template, sadly many kids who could use a true American hero will never hear of him.
dave bones says:
Good story.