Liberty Park, USA™ Foundation

I have had the opportunity during my years in the entertainment industry to visit nearly every country in the world. Often these trips involved entertaining U.S. troops. But it wasn't just entertainment that we brought those soldiers stationed far from home . . . it was a little bit of America . . . some memories of life in the U.S. that they could hold on to while serving their country. Unfortunately, I believe that many of us take America for granted. The men and women who have served overseas, perhaps, have gained a deeper respect and understanding of what our nation is all about, than those who have never left the comfort and security of home.

I don't believe we can afford to take America for granted . . . to forget about the principles upon which it is founded. That's why I have agreed to co-chair Liberty Park, USA Foundation. The Foundation will provide the means for people of all ages to reacquaint themselves with America . . . to really learn about our history, about why such concepts as liberty and independence were so important to the founding fathers . . . and why they are just as important today.

I am especially excited about the opportunities Liberty Park, USA Foundation will bring to our kids. They will be learning about economics, government and history. They will discover the full panorama of American history . . . how people of all races contributed to the growth of our nation. Both children and adults will gain a better understanding of the country we live in. I'm proud to be associated with the Foundation.
 

Video                                                                              Bob Hope, Entertainer, Former Honorary Co-Chairman, Liberty Park, USA™ Foundation

America is the only nation in the world with a greeting sign at its door--the Statue of Liberty. The statue is 300 feet tall and stands on 23,500 tons of concrete. The idea for the statue came from Edourd de Laboulaye, a French journalist and historian, who suggested in 1865 that France and America should build a memorial of friendship since the two nations had been allies in the American Revolution. The Franco-American Union, with Laboulaye as its president, selected Frederic Auguste Bartholdi to create the memorial because of his reputation for designing patriotic statues to glorify 'heroic ideas, personalities and events.' On his first trip to America, Bartholdi was so moved as his ship sailed into New York Harbor that he 'conceived the idea of a colossal statue to stand at the very gateway of the New World to represent the one thing man finds most precious Liberty.' Bartholdi chose Bedloe's Island (now renamed Liberty Island) because 'he wanted the statue to welcome immigrants coming here to a new life.'

On October 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was unveiled on a cold, rainy day. Upon accepting the majestic gift as a 'friendship gift to mark the hundredth United States independence anniversary,' President Grover Cleveland stated: 'We will not forget that liberty has made here her home.' More than 17 million immigrants in search of the American Dream rode past the Statue of Liberty on their maiden voyage into New York Harbor between 1892 and 1954. And it continues to welcome people from all over the world today.

Liberty Park, USA Foundation is planning a series of educational programs and projects which will outline the discovery and development of America from 1492 to the present.

The Foundation's educational programs and projects will highlight the struggles of individuals coming from all over the world, from divergent cultures and with different interests, who sensed the American Dream and moved it forward during their lives. Through these numerous programs, the Foundation hopes to inspire the youth and adults of today to keep the American Dream alive for future generations. I encourage the American people to join with us in promoting our heritage and free institutions.
 

Tom Landry, Former Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys Former Honorary Co-Chairman, Liberty Park, USA™ Foundation Ladies and Gentlemen,  It has been said that there has only been one revolution in the history of the world that did not disappoint its sons and daughters—our American Revolution. Now, that might be exaggerating it a bit, but we do know why America is unique. This country and its government were born of a revolution that fought for the rights of the individual.   When Thomas Jefferson wrote in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights, and among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, he was saying for the very first time and, indeed, for all time, that people do not receive their rights from government. We receive our rights from God.  Just as Jefferson declared that no person was born for tyranny, another great thinker of that day, Adam Smith, wrote that no person was born for poverty, because among our rights—freedom of speech and freedom of religion, freedom to vote and to assemble—is our right of economic freedom. The liberties that we all enjoy is our birth right--no matter what our background or creed or color—to own property, to seek our fortune without fear our without favor.  Listen to Adam Smith’s words:  “To prohibit a great people,” Smith said, “from employing their stock and industry in the way that they judge most advantageous is a violation against the most sacred rights of mankind. This is the philosophy. These are the ideas that inspired what we have come to call the American Dream. At the heart of that Dream is the fundamental truth that our economic freedom and our political and our personal freedom are indivisible.   And to preserve our political and personal freedoms, we must keep our economic freedoms strong as well. And to accomplish this, we need to understand the great heritage that is our legacy as Americans. This is the mission of Liberty Park, and that is why I agreed to co-chair the Liberty Park Foundation. It is our hope that citizens of all ages will come away from here with a renewed appreciation for the magnificent contributions made by those very first patriots—men and women who risked their lives, fortunes and sacred honor to give birth to this dream of freedom.   May I, in turn, urge each of you to do all you can to keep this dream alive, and that includes helping us to make the liberty park project a reality.  Thank you very much.    Video                                                                          William E. Simon, Former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Former Honorary Co-Chairman, Liberty Park, USA™ Foundation

The goal of the founding fathers was to preserve the freedom, sovereignty and independence of America.  They knew that “the experience of the ages tells only one story: that liberty lives only where there is local self-government.”  The foundation of American government rests firmly upon the principles of popular sovereignty, written constitutions, rule of law, natural rights and local self-government.

After the Revolutionary War, the founding fathers faced the challenge of creating a national government to govern the new nation. They knew that the lessons of history reveal that governments have a tendency to centralize power in one or a few hands, therefore, they drafted a constitution of carefully defined and limited powers. 

James Madison and George Washington called the creation of the U. S. Constitution a “miracle.”  Fifty-five men of diverse backgrounds met in Philadelphia during the summer of 1787 and fashioned one of the most remarkable documents in world history.  

The founding fathers created a unique system of government where the powers not specifically delegated to the federal government were reserved to the state governments or retained by the people. Under the new system of government, called “federalism,” the state governments possessed more power and authority than the federal government. The doctrine of federalism divided the powers of government between the state governments and the national government.  And it rested firmly upon the principle of local self-government.  The new system was carefully designed to thwart the concentration of power in the federal government and to ensure that liberty would be safe and secure in the land.

The founding fathers knew the approaches of tyranny. “They left us signs and warnings to quicken our ears, they set bulwarks across his path.  So well did they do their work that for scores of years tyranny did not leave its lair.  Human freedom and happiness and prosperity filled the land and joy abode in the hearts of the people.  We forgot that tyranny lived.  Then it left its den in the night, and began stalking our liberties even as a wild beast creeps silently, through the darkness upon its victims.

“The Constitution is our sole shield against this crouching beast; it is our sole weapons of defense against tyranny’s freedom-destroying spring.”

The lessons of history warn us to be constantly on guard for the approaches of tyranny in all its disguises. “We must always remember that despotism and tyranny, with all their attendant tragedies to the people … come to nations because one man, or a small group of men seize and exercise by themselves the three great divisions of government, -- the legislative, the executive, and the judicial.” 

The lessons of history warn us that, “Tyranny has never come to live with any people with a placard on his breast bearing his name.  He always come in deep disguise, some times proclaiming an endowment of freedom, sometimes promising help to  the unfortunate and downtrodden, but by creating something for those who do not have, but by robbing those who have.  But tyranny is always a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and he always ends by devouring the whole flock, saving none.” 

There are insidious forces at work in America seeking to undermine the Constitution and the liberties it bestows upon the people. We must preserve our liberties at all costs. We must not sacrifice our liberties for temporary security or personal gain. We must never forget that the Constitution is our greatest weapon in the war against tyranny and oppression. 

Thomas G. Pownall,
Former Chairman, Lockheed Martin Corporation,
Former Honorary Co-Chairman,
Liberty Park USA Foundation

The U. S. Constitution is one of the greatest political documents in the world. It carefully  separates government into three distinct branches – the executive, the legislative and the judicial –  and then wisely weaves them together through a unique set of checks and balances. It then separates the federal government from the state governments through a system of government known as federalism.  

The principles of republican government and federalism are outlined in The Federalist, a collection of 85 essays written by John Jay, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. Chancellor James Kent, author of the Commentaries on the Laws of America, stated, “ I know not, indeed, of any work on the principles of free government that is to be compared , in instruction and in intrinsic value, to this small and unpretending volume of The Federalist: not even if we resort to Aristotle, Cicero, Machiavelli, Montesquieu, Milton, Locke or Burke.  It is equally admirable in the depths of its wisdom, the comprehensiveness of its views, the sagacity of its reflections and the fearlessness, patriotism, candor, simplicity and elegance with which its truths are uttered and recommended.” 

Another key passage is found in Federalist No. 14.  It states: “In the first place it is to be remembered that the general government is not to be charged with the whole power of making and administering laws, the jurisdiction is limited to certain enumerated objects, which concern all the members of the Republic, but which are not to be attained by the separate provisions of any.” 

One passage that is particularly relevant today is found in Federalist No. 40.  It states: “We have seen that in the new government, as in the old, the general powers are limited; and that the States, in all unenumerated cases, are left to the enjoyment of their sovereign and independent jurisdiction.” 

As governor of one of the states in America, I am deeply concerned that the principles of federalism and state sovereignty have been seriously eroded by the centralization of power in the federal government over the last seventy-five years. The increase in power of the federal government has come at the expense of the sovereign powers of the states and of the people. As the federal government becomes more powerful, the states become less powerful. A dramatic shift in power to Washington, D. C. has severely limited the political, economic and religious liberty of the American people.  

The principles of state sovereignty and individual liberty have been seriously compromised and discarded by forces bent upon undermining the U. S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights and centralizing power in Washington, D. C. 

What is the answer to our present predicament? James Madison admonished us in these words: “Although all men are born free, slavery has been the general lot of the human race. Ignorant – they have been cheated; asleep – they have been surprised; divided – the yoke has been forced upon them.  But what is the lesson? ... The people ought to be enlightened, to be awakened, to be united, that after establishing a government they should watch over it... It is universally admitted that a well-instructed people alone can be permanently free.” 

Thomas Jefferson warned us in these words: “Experience has shown that even under the best forms [of government], those entrusted with power have in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny; and the most effectual means of preventing this would be to illuminate, as far as applicable, the minds of the people at large.” 

It was Thomas Jefferson who proclaimed that, “In questions of power, then let not more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” 

Only a truly “enlightened” and “awakened” people can preserve the principles of political, economic and religious liberty in America.  The greatest weapon we have to oppose the forces of tyranny in America and the world today is the U. S. Constitution itself. It is in peril today.  

If we are to preserve the U. S. Constitution in the tradition of the founding fathers, we must become reacquainted with this remarkable charter. Liberty Park USA™ Foundation had developed an elaborate educational program to enlighten the people concerning the heritage of America and its free institutions. I am proud to be associated with the foundation and encourage people throughout the nation to support its educational programs and projects.                       

                                                                  The Honorable C. L. “Butch” Otter
                                                                                 Governor, State of Idaho
Member, Honorary Advisory Board of Advisors,
Liberty Park, USA™ Foundation

On September 17, 1787 thirty-nine of the most astute men in America fixed their signatures to a new constitution.  For the first time in modern history a constitution was drafted in a peaceful setting. The new document rested squarely upon the principles of republican government. These principles were eloquently outlined by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in The Federalist which was published in 1788.  The new constitution created a limited government with the three branches of government carefully interwoven by a unique system of checks and balances.

One remarkable effect of the new republican system of government was the creation of a free market among the new states.  Trade and commerce flowed freely across state borders.  For over one hundred years this remarkable system of genuine free trade in America, along with the unique system of tariffs which financed the new federal government, allowed America to develop into the most free and prosperous nation on earth.

The Tariff Act was adopted by the First Congress in 1789.  The Tariff Act performed two valuable services. First, it provided a vehicle to obtain revenue for the new government by placing a tariff on all imports into America.  Second, it protected America’s new industries and manufacturers from the effects of British trade policies which were based upon imperialism. 

The founding fathers were well aware that the war for independence was the result of Britain’s efforts to cripple and destroy colonial manufacturers and industries in America.  England was determined to maintain control of colonial trade in America even by force if necessary.

The Tariff Act was designed to ensure that America would uphold the principles of political and economic liberty. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and Thomas Jefferson were the driving forces behind the new trade policy of America and the establishment of tariffs to finance the new government and protect America’s new industries and manufacturing entities from the predatory trade policies of the British Empire.

From 1789 until 1913 America followed the economic and trade policies of Alexander Hamilton and the founding fathers of the American Republic.  There were no federal individual income taxes and no federal corporate taxes.  The American economy grew at an unprecedented rate.  In 1913 Congress and the Executive Branch began adopting the European philosophies of banking, government, finance, trade and economics.  A monumental change took place in America.  The Congress and the Executive Branch also adopted the British system of managed trade or so-called free trade.

After nearly 100 years of so-called free trade policies the American nation stands upon the brink of national economic and financial bankruptcy.  America’s industrial and manufacturing base, along with its remarkable agricultural base of production, is being carefully destroyed as tens of thousands of high paying jobs are being outsourced and transferred overseas.

Subsidized imports are flooding the nation at an alarming rate. American industries, manufacturing plants, small companies and businesses, farms and ranches are being forced to compete with foreign governments, monopolies and cartels around the world. Manufacturing and industrial plants are being closed and their equipment is being dismantled and shipped overseas.

The so-called free trade policies of the U. S. Government are destroying the economic and financial backbone of the nation. America’s political and economic sovereignty and prosperity are being sacrificed upon the altar of so-called free trade.

A new U. S. trade policy is needed if American small businesses and companies are going to compete on an even playing field with subsidized imports, foreign governments, and multinational corporations who are creating, upholding and promoting monopolies and cartels around the world.

Since its inception, Liberty Park USA™ Foundation has been an outspoken advocate of genuine free and fair trade and a staunch defender of American manufacturing industries. I am proud to be associated with the foundation and encourage the American people to support the foundation and its excellent educational programs and projects. 

Richard G. Bennett,
Chairman of the Board, Bennett Forest Industries
Member, Honorary Board of Advisors,
Liberty Park, USA™ Foundation

It is clear that only a truly enlightened people can uphold the principles of political, economic and religious liberty in a society. 

Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s most enlightened citizens wrote: 

“… experience hath shown, that even under the best forms (of government), those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny; and it is believed that the most effectual means of preventing this would be, to illuminate … the minds of the people … to give them knowledge of those facts, which history exhibiteth. History, by apprizing them of the past, will enable them to judge of the future … it will qualify them as judges of the actions and designs of men, it will enable them to know ambition under every disguise it may assume; and knowing it, to defeat its views….” 

A deep and abiding knowledge of the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution,  Bill of Rights, George Washington’s Farewell Address and The Federalist (Papers) is an essential requirement for maintaining political, economic and religious liberty in America. 

The founding fathers of the American Republic carefully crafted a unique set of free institutions that ensured that the flame of liberty would lighten the land of America and the world. However, the flame of liberty will dim and be extinguished if the citizens of the land are not truly enlightened and eternally vigilant. 

James Madison, one of America’s most enlightened citizens wrote:

“Although men are born free, slavery has been the general lot of the human race; Ignorant – they have been cheated; asleep – they have been surprised; divided – the yoke has been forced upon them. But what is the lesson? The people ought to be enlightened, to be awakened, to be united, that after establishing a government they should watch over it … It is universally admitted that a well instructed people alone can be permanently free.” 

Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s most enlightened citizens wrote: 

“The sacred rights of mankind are not to be rummaged for among old parchments or musty records. They are written, as with a sunbeam, in the whole volume of Human Nature, by the Hands of Divinity itself, and can never be erased or obscured by mortal power.” 

It is clear that we need to re-enthrone the principles of political, economic and religious liberty espoused by the founding fathers of the American Republic and codified in the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in the hearts and minds of the America people. 

As we labor to preserve and promote the principles of liberty in America we must also remember the wise counsel of Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most enlightened citizens:  

It is for us the living … to be dedicated … to the unfinished work which they … have … so nobly advanced … to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that This Nation Under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.” 

The mission of Liberty Park USA™ Foundation is to promote the principles of freedom and liberty in a non-partisan and non-denominational fashion. The foundation has established one of the most informative web sites in America to promote the principles of the Declaration of Independence, U. S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. I wholeheartedly endorse and support the efforts of the foundation and encourage my fellow citizens to join with us and “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” (Leviticus 25:10.) 

Brandon Birtcher,
President, Birtcher Developments & Investments
Chairman, Liberty Park USA™ Foundation