"In fact, the Americans of 1776 enjoyed a higher standard of living than any people in the world. Their material wealth was considerably less than it would be in time, still it was a great deal more than others had elsewhere. How people with so much, living on their own land, would ever choose to rebel against the ruler God had put over them and thereby bring down such devastation upon themselves was for the invaders incomprehensible."
1776, p.158

"When I look down and see the prodigious fleet they have collected, the preparations they have made, and consider the vast expenses incurred, I cannot help being astonished that a people should come 3,000 miles at such risk, trouble and expense to rob, plunder and destroy another people because they will not lay their lives and fortunes at their feet."
Joseph Reed, 1776, p.149

I have gleaned a great deal of information while reading David McCullough's most recent historical account, 1776, and more than anything else, those two quotes represent why groups of people fight and kill each other. One side cannot fathom the other side's point of view. Britain and King George III always saw the American colonies as subordinates much like The British Isles. The main difference was that America was not around the block. It was on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. How would you like to take orders from a king so far away that his messages took two months at best to reach your ear?

America was an underdog. Although Washington played the part of a noble general, the strategy and means to create and maintain an army was almost impossible. Their were no military academies, no pay or incentives, little discipline, no navy to speak of, and a lack of strategic know how in general. Still a rabble of ten thousand rose up to stand against the British "invaders."

The British Army was the greatest in the world. They boasted 20,000 strong in the colonies plus hired Hessian troops from Germany, a navy second to none, and the support of thousands of Loyalists in the colonies. Although General Howe always sought peace with the rebel uprising, he would continually attack and chase uniformless rabble at every turn.

It comes down to this. People who live somewhere will defend their territory to the death in the name of personal freedom. Those sent from far away places may call themselves liberators or protectors, but locals call them invaders and occupiers.

In the birth year of American Independence, there was very little actual fighting. The Siege of Boston was a standoff in which the British abandoned their position because the Continental Army secured the high ground at Dorchester Heights. The Battle of Brooklyn forced Washington to cut and run because the British controlled the waters and could attack from any side. Skirmishes occurred here and there, but less than a handful of true full battles took place. It was more about having the presence of a military than a true war. This would change in the years to come.

Flash forward 229 years to Independence Day, 2005. America is still at war, but The Cause is skewed. Our fight is not for our own freedom, but that of a people who do not even quite understand the type of government they are supposed to create. Back then, it was a revolution brought on by its own people. Now America is fighting and killing for the rights of others, not their own. Now, America is the greatest army in the world traveling over 3,000 miles to rob, destroy and plunder another country to convince them to be free. Now, the insurgents, rebels, and extremist play the role of the underdog.

I love America. No matter how many police cars follow me through town, no matter how many of my civil rights are threatened, no matter how much money the rich suck out of our economy, no matter how many unjust wars we create. Through thick and thin, this is my country.

I just think we need to refresh ourselves on why we started this country and the price we paid for our own freedom. Maybe we wouldn't be so quick to impose our brand of freedom on Islamic countries. Maybe King George III of the past and King George II of today have a lot in common. There is not much difference between a liberator and an invader, and there isn't much difference between an insurgent and rebel. The only difference these days is who is playing which roles.

"The reflection upon my situation and that of this army produces many an uneasy hour when all around me are wrapped in sleep. Few people know the predicament we are in."
George Washington, Jan. 14, 1776

Chris Jungle wonders why generals of yesteryear spoke more eloquently than our leaders of today.