Individuals tend to use Fourth of July celebrations as a means to obtain some rest and relaxation from the stresses of work and life; however, KrisAnne Hall had other ideas on how to spend this unique day.

Hall, a teacher, author, attorney and advocate for the Constitution, spent her Fourth of July holiday at the First Conservative Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla. She was one of many speakers present at the Church’s “God – N – Country” event that took place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Some of these speakers included Dr. Gene A. Youngblood, the church’s co-founder, who lamented that pastors and religious leaders are unable to express their opinions on issues effectively, and Victoria Baer, an activist and educator, who detailed the dangers present in Agenda 21, a set of procedures by the UN that relate to sustainable development. In addition, William Korach, publisher of the Report Card, was present to read the Declaration of Independence and discuss what occurs in local school boards.

Those present at the event also had the opportunity to listen to a reenactment of Patrick Henry’s “Give me Liberty or Give me Death” speech along with great music from the gospel trio “One Heart.”

When it came time for Hall to address the audience, she focused on American liberty and its central presence in the fabric of our society, while also detailing whether America was a democracy or a republic.

To Hall, the nation of America is clearly the latter rather than the former. In stating this, she emphasized why this form of government best fits the American landscape.

“A republic is a government that derives its just powers from the consent of the people,” Hall pointed out.

“It is a government among men, not over men, and it is the only form of government which ensures that the minority has a society-changing voice.”

Hall then pointed out that republic governments are not without challenges.

“Our founders said that those who administer it may forget their obligations to their constituents, and prove unfaithful to their important trusts,” Hall pointed out.

This point crystallized a key theme throughout Hall’s speech, that governments are only effective when individuals are engaged in the political process.

“It is incumbent of people in a republic for people to be on their toes, in their faces and constantly reminding them of what their jobs are, because as much as they hate it, we are their employers,” she said.

If individuals are not vigilant in monitoring the actions of their elected officials, Hall stated before an attentive crowd, it would ultimately result in a form of governance that will fail to represent their best interests.

“You will see us become a government of politicians, by your state capitals and for Washington, D.C.,” she pointed out.

Throughout her speech, Hall frequently referenced the words and actions of the founding fathers in stating her points about government. In particular, she praised the influence of Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. Hall mentioned that Franklin preferred a republic-style government “only if we could keep it” while noting that Jefferson’s influence would garner “as much of a cult following as many of today’s politicians.”

Hall added that the founding fathers gave specific instructions on how an ideal government should work, and that these directions are just as relevant now as they were then.

“Our founders built this nation as a republic with a purpose. They gave us specific instructions, which are not only in the form of the Constitution, not only in the form of the Bill of Rights, but in every word that they wrote down,” she said passionately.

To Hall, a key danger facing America today lies in the changing of language present in these founding documents from their original intent. The language present in the Constitution and Bill of Rights is fine, Hall pointed out, going on to mention that even though individuals are quick to criticize the founding fathers because their intents were not perfect, that the founders were prescient enough to see the type of government that would evolve from the blueprints that were initially set forth.

She also took issue with recent Supreme Court decisions that placed the whims of the federal government over the desires of the state.

“According to the Supreme Court, we can now be taxed not only for things that we buy, but for things that we do not buy as well,” she said.

KrisAnne Hall’s speech continued with her extolling the importance of liberty in a free society, and concluded with her inspiring the rapt audience to separate themselves from a government that refuses to recognize effectively the rights of individuals.

“When a government becomes destructive, it is our right to alter or abolish it. Today, on July 4, we must declare independence from this tyranny,” she said, drawing eager applause from the individuals present.

Image Courtesy of   KrisAnne Hall

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Youngstown, U.S.A. — With unprecedented dry weather and fires in so many parts of the country, Phantom Fireworks, the nation’s premier consumer fireworks retailer, urges all fireworks fans to be especially mindful and take extra precautions during any backyard show. It is essential to follow state laws to ensure that fireworks are never used in areas where they have been prohibited by state or local authorities or where the risk of fire is high.

“Phantom wants all our customers and friends to enjoy the fun and excitement of fireworks,” said Bruce J. Zoldan, President of Phantom Fireworks. “But we want them to do so in a safe and careful manner in areas where fireworks use will not endanger the environment. Unseasonably hot temperatures and dry conditions require extra precautions before, during and after a fireworks launch.”

In dry weather areas where the use of fireworks is permitted, Phantom offers the following special tips to ensure a safe, responsible and enjoyable show.

• Whenever possible select a large, paved surface, such as a concrete or asphalt parking lot, as the fireworks launch site. If a paved site is not available, select a dirt area free of grass or vegetation. Keep the fireworks away from any wooded and grassy areas.
• Wet down the launch site at least 30 feet in diameter for ground-based products and 150 feet for aerial products before lighting any fireworks. This will ensure that if errant sparks do hit the ground, they will have a very minimal chance of igniting.
• Always keep a ready source of water available. Phantom recommends a connected hose, but a fire extinguisher or even a bucket of water will suffice.
• Be mindful of windy conditions. Powerful gusts can knock over products or spread sparks outside the soaked area. Sometimes it is necessary to delay launching until high winds subside.
• Appoint one adult as the ‘fireman’ whose job is to watch the fireworks trajectory and make sure that if any sparks touch the ground, no fire is started. The ‘fireman’ should immediately douse any areas where sparks or embers do touch down and should also douse any spent products.
• Never allow minor children to handle or light fireworks. Children should enjoy fireworks by watching from a safe distance, but never by handling the products.
• Keep in mind that pets, especially dogs, often have a negative reaction to the loud noises and bright lights and colors from fireworks. Phantom recommends keeping pets indoors for the duration of any backyard show to muffle the noise and obscure the lights. Owners can also consult their veterinarians for a variety of safe and simple treatments for pets that become distressed during fireworks shows.
• Thoroughly soak and properly dispose of all spent products after the show and clean up leftover debris. It is especially important for pet owners to do so, because some of the chemicals in spent products maybe harmful to pets if consumed. Store any extra or unused fireworks in a fireproof, covered container located away from any homes and building.

During this vulnerable time, Phantom urges that citizens use extra caution and follow all safety rules and especially the dry weather safety tips when using consumer fireworks. This way, you can help ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July for everyone.

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Orlando, U.S.A. — Many families across Florida and the nation will spend the Fourth of July holiday away from home, basking on the state’s beautiful beaches, traveling to see relatives or maybe just visiting friends for a backyard barbecue.

To fully enjoy those activities and other summertime pursuits spent away from home, Florida Realtors suggests that homeowners take precautions to safeguard their residences when they’re not around. Crime rates across the country often start to peak as temperatures rise during warm weather months – the same time that many families leave their homes unoccupied and unprotected.

“A home is the place where people raise their families, make memories of their lives and build on their dreams for the future – and it’s also the biggest financial investment that most people will make in their lifetimes,” says Florida Realtors 2012 President Summer J. Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “It just makes sense to take steps to protect something so priceless.”

Homeowners can take these simple precautions to make their homes less of a target for criminals:

• No “Home Alone”: Before leaving your home during the day, make it look as if someone is still at home by using timers on lights in various rooms. Even though daylight hours are longer during the summer, it may still get dark faster than you expect or you may return home later than anticipated, and taking this step ensures that your home appears occupied at all times.
• No Open Door Policy: Ensure that all doors leading to the home and garage are locked, even when leaving for short periods of time. The typical burglary takes less than five minutes, and unlocked doors, combined with an empty home, put out the “welcome mat” for crime.
• Someone to Watch Over Me: Be landscape smart. Shrubbery and other plants can grow very rapidly during the warm, wet summer months. Keep them trimmed so neighbors can easily see your home. Also, an unkempt yard could be viewed as a sign of an empty home to a burglar.
• A Key Reminder: When leaving home, take your house keys along or leave a spare set with a trusted neighbor. Never leave a key under a welcome mat, in a mailbox or other hiding spots – most burglars know where to look.
• Crime Doesn’t Take a Vacation: If you’re planning to be away from home for more than a day or two, ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway and pick up your mail and newspapers – or make arrangements to cancel the paper and hold the mail. Disable your garage door opener and manually lock it from the inside, and don’t forget to check that the door leading from the garage to the home is locked, too.

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