The Liberator

We love the land of our nativity, only as we love all other lands. The interests, rights, and liberties of American citizens are no more dear to us, than are those of the whole human race. Hence [all of our current politics to the contrary], we can allow no appeal to patriotism, to revenge any national insult or injury....

We register our testimony, not only against all wars, whether offensive or defensive, but all preparations for war; against every naval ship, every arsenal, every fortification; against the militia system and a standing army; against all military chieftains and soldiers; against all monuments commemorative of victory over a foreign foe, all trophies won in battle, all celebrations in honor of military or naval exploits; against all appropriations for the defense of a nation by force and arms on the part of any legislative body; against every edict of government, requiring of its subjects military service.

--William Lloyd Garrison, "The Declaration of Sentiments," September 20, 1838.

By the early 19th century, only two generations after the revolution, it was clear to Garrison that the promise of freedom which the revolution had betokened was illusory: for the very means by which the colonies had secured their independence--military--would ensure the new nation's continued slavery.

To whom? Why, to the "military chieftains" within the government itself. Our economy bends to their will. We cannot liberate ourselves from the military-industrial-complex.

Garrison was a voice crying in the wilderness and his prophecy, now fulfilled, has been relegated to the history books.

One would think that, in a religion-mad country such as the U.S., masses of people would be hungry for prophecy--particularly prophecy that has proven itself genuine through its fulfillment. But religion-mad Americans only give lip-service to the prophetic tradition. Their true investment in religion amounts to little more than self-affirming Feel-Goodism: the life-boat Christianity that promises "salvation" in exchange for one's willingness to affirm the incredible. They have neither the time nor the stomach for Garrison's prophetic challenge.

Liberation asks too much from us: too much intellectual honesty, too much energy, too much personal courage.