The Signers of the Declaration Rejected Comfort Zones, Defied the Odds

Topic: Perspective

I put out a similar and pertinent message one year ago today, and again make my challenge that all Americans, young or old, male or female, rich or poor, indeed all who believe men were made to be free, must step forward and stand for those things they believe in.  Too few are willing to lose the things that make men comfortable, and every now and then, we need a Commander Price moment to jar us loose from our pursuit of comfort zones.

The men who signed the Declaration, and many others who aided in the Revolution, could have chosen comfort zones.  After all, they had good lives and things to lose.  They had friends at the tavern who agreed on the surface with their ideas but considered the fulfillment of them nothing more than pipe dreams, and if pressed to hard, might call them “radicals” or “blowhards” who were too busy ruining everyone’s fun and security, much of which depended on good standing with the Crown.

As I wrote one year ago:

Independence Day inspires images of joyful celebration – watermelon, barbecue, beer, and fireworks, with participants often donning their favorite patriotic attire.  Indeed, the founding of the world’s most prosperous Republic is a cause for celebration.  While ringing in another national birthday is generally a joyful endeavor, it was a solemn one 246 years ago.

The Continental Congress approved the Declaration on July 2, 1776.  Two days later, John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress and Charles Thomson, Congressional Secretary, signed the Declaration.  All but one of the remaining signatures were placed on August 2, 1776.  The act of signing the Declaration of Independence constituted treason against the crown.

This act was eerily somber.  Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, “Surely we must all hang together, or surely, we will all hang separately.”  The attitude of Patrick Henry, who quipped in 1765, “If this be treason, let us make the most of it,” permeated the thoughts of those who answered the call to leadership.  Their words, and those of many others, demonstrate the grave seriousness of open rebellion against the world’s most powerful empire.

Our world today is full of opportunities to kick the proverbial can down the road and choose a path of passivity, especially if we are comfortable and have material wealth available.  Those climbing the corporate ladder today are often concerned about the direction of America, but not willing to engage out of fear for losing opportunity, although the future promises to hold less opportunity if current trends hold.

On December 16, 1773, revolutionaries in Boston threw a protest (later called the “Boston Tea Party”) over a tax on their breakfast drink of choice.  Today, Americans tolerate unconstitutional mandates that restrict freedoms and liberties, and bend the knee when threatened with negative press.  This nation would benefit from its young patriots going “all in” for the cause of liberty, speaking truth and lighting the “brushfires of freedom” that Sam Adams spoke so intently of.

The signers of the Declaration had much to lose.  The Republican Party has a chapter called “Young Republicans” that meets around the nation, which is generally comprised of members 40 years of age or younger.  Here are some of the most notable young people who stepped up to the plate and answered the question of “If Not You, Who?,” knowing that gallows were the penalty for signing the Declaration of Independence.

John Adams (40 years old at time of signing)

Carter Braxton (39)

Charles Carroll (38)

Samuel Chase (35)

George Clymer (37)

Elbridge Gerry (32)

John Hancock (40)

Thomas Heyward, Jr. (30)

William Hooper (34)

Francis Hopkinson (38)

Thomas Jefferson (33)

Thomas Lynch, Jr. (26)

Arthur Middleton (34)

Thomas Nelson, Jr. (37)

William Paca (35)

John Penn (36)

Benjamin Rush (30)

Edward Rutledge (26)

Thomas Stone (33)

George Walton (35)

James Wilson (33)

56 men signed the Declaration of Independence.  21 of them were 40 years of age or younger, selflessly pledging their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for the advancement of human rights and liberties.

They lived good lives.  Many of them were self-made men, wealthy and comfortable.  They could not turn a blind eye to the trampling of liberties and grievances committed by the crown, and refused to live as serfs, even if they had comfortable lives.  We must possess the courage of these founding fathers if we are to turn the tide on global tyranny.  There is always something to lose with every risk taken, and that is the way it must be.

Nothing great in the entire sequence of human history has ever been accomplished without serious risk and chance of loss.  The young people of America must rise to the occasion and be willing to hang together.

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Today, just like 247 years ago, requires the setting aside of comfort zones to truly impact change.  Even then, it would be another seven years until the British recognized American independence, with a war fought in the middle (which was already raging on July 4, 1776) to drive the point home that freedom would be fought for at all costs.

A signature on page in history, a right hand in the air, or a prayer for guidance and strength in an age of evil say the same – you reject the illusion of freedom and pursue the real thing.  That will never be easy to achieve but will be remembered for all time when it comes to pass.

Author’s Note: Please consider supporting this journal as a paid member if you’ve found it of value in helping you reject comfort zones, understand the data, and win every argument at the tavern.  Thank you!