Reply #5: This is what America is all about.

[Gregorian]

Suddenly it hits home like a ton of bricks. American independence isn't confined to just the Founders. Their protestation and bravery doesn't stop with them. And in fact it's the comfort and apathy that has led us to our present perch. IF we were all Founders, IF we all took a stand, IF we realized that independence didn't and doesn't stop with the Declaration of Independence, then we'd all be vigilant. And if we were all vigilant and observant, and aware of the principals that made this experiment happen, then America would be more than an experiment. More than a theory. It would be perpetual reality.

But there is one big if. In order to make this country great, we must take personal risk. The Framers did it. And that's why this country was/is great. It's only through education and risk that we will continue the independence and freedoms that are provided by the Constitution.

I see peak oil as being pivotal in many ways. It is what helped accelerate our decline into sleazy laziness and consumption and ignorance. It's even why we're killing in Iraq. It's half of the equation. We are now going to start slowing down again. It's a good thing. Although a bad thing under the circumstances.

This kind of post gives me great optimism. There are good people out there. More than we know. But most of them are not willing to take the great step of sacrifice and bravery. If we all took just a small step, then those few who take great steps would not have to do so.