Independence Day!
Two hundred thirty-one years ago, 56 brave men signed their names to a bold creed of freedom that set the course of our Nation and changed the history of the world. On this anniversary, we remember the great courage and conviction of our Founders, and we celebrate the enduring principles of our Declaration of Independence.Through selfless sacrifice and unrelenting determination, the patriots of the American Revolution ensured that our Nation's claim to liberty and equality would not be dismissed or forgotten. The ideals they fought for and the country they helped establish are lasting symbols of hope to the entire world.
No matter the flippant quality of political leadership on the world stage in recent years, here's a toast to the people of a great nation, who had boldly claimed their independence from Britain and, as a result, to have lain ground for Democracy to flourish the world over.
December 2004, I was invited to speak at a Harvard Law School conference and a gathering at the John F. Kennedy School of Government. I seized the opportunity to learn more about the Boston Massacre, and the American patriotic lore of Boston Tea Party led by Samuel Adams.
'No Taxation without Representation'
I also took time to visit the relics of Massachusetts lawyer James Otis in Boston, and came to understand that the man had articulately argued against the British violation of the constitutional rights of the colonists.
I also came to realise that the phrase "No Taxation without Representation" became popular in many American circles as early as 1761. Then, London had argued that the Americans were represented "virtually"; but most Americans rejected the theory that men in London, who knew nothing about their needs and conditions, could represent them.
John Adams later wrote "American independence was then and there born", and as they say, the rest was history.
Comments
Well technically they're constitutional rights were never violated since the very same constitution didn't give them the rights they wish to have.
ON another note, it must also be noted that politicians like Pitt the Elder were figures who fought on the American side in Parliament. In fact, alternate histories that postulate an America still in the empire usually use the "what-if" scenario of Pitt living longer than he did and helping the Americans gain more power.
Anyway, the Americans also have the British to thank, for before they proclaimed themselves the bearers of the torch of liberty, the Brits were the pillars of liberty in Europe and subsequently any idea of the concept of liberty in America would owe its origins in Britain.
In any case, good luck to the US in restoring their credibility as the beacon of freedom amongst the many peoples that feel they has been wronged.
cheers
Posted by: oster![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
July 4, 2007 07:26 PM
"No taxation without real representation" (Malaysia Aug 31 2007)
Posted by: Neil![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
July 4, 2007 07:35 PM
In Malaysia you are supposed to be thankful and grateful for your BN leaders o.k. And you show your thankfulness and gratefulness by toiling hard and paying your taxes and you should be thankful that you can contribute towards the well being of these same leaders by contributing by way of your taxes. Only ungrateful ingrats will think of "No taxation without representation". This is not in accord with Malaysian and Asian Values.
Posted by: Observer![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
July 5, 2007 10:30 AM
We are always reminded about the jewish holocaust but never questioned where those natives who used to live in coastal areas in america disappeared to.
Maybe due to this, the bumis are anxious to protect their rights in Malaysia.
Posted by: sydput![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
July 5, 2007 02:42 PM
We pay assessment to the local councils but are not allowed to elect the councillors. Is that taxation without representation?
Posted by: cskok8![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.jeffooi.my/nav-commenters.gif)
|
July 5, 2007 08:33 PM