" Risk and Reward"

What is risk? Any of us that have gone to Las Vegas have taken a risk every time we put a penny into a slot machine; we risked a penny at the possibility of making more pennies. There are machines that risk $1, $5, $10, $20, and $50; the higher the risk the higher the reward, or the loss. Every morning when we wake up, we take a risk that we will have an auto accident as soon as we pull into traffic, yet we go out every day, a slight risk. Every time we eat in a restaurant we take a risk, who knows what is really going on in that kitchen! Every time we meet a new person, we take the risk of exposing ourselves to a new relationship where we may be harmed or disappointed. Any time we engage in physical activity, we take the risk of injury, we weigh this against the benefit of the exercise, this is calculated risk. Almost every decision we make has some element of risk involved in the following of that decision. Soldiers make life and death decisions on a daily basis when in battle; each decision could be their last!

Our founding fathers were risk takers. Most of them were fairly prosperous, living a fruitful life in the colonies. We must ask why these men of some wealth and comfort put all they had in jeopardy; what was their expected reward? Men like Franklin, Jefferson, Washington, Adams, Clay, and Lee were of the successful class. They would have little to gain from open rebellion against England, their former homeland and the most formidable armed force in the world. When they signed the Declaration of Independence, Franklin said, " If we sign this we will surely all hang together, if we don't sign it we will all surely hang separately.."; that is commitment to an idea!

Never during this time was financial consideration brought up except by English loyalists. Franklin was quite correct in his assessment of the prospect of being hanged for his position; the crown wouldn't give any consideration to the upstart colonial rebels.

The only motivation of our founding fathers was FREEDOM, the ability to self govern, to speak without fear, to be able to control their own destiny. Washington spent much of his own money to help finance the army; how many Congressmen would do this today? Washington wept at colonial defeats, yet he did not seek glory for himself in victory. This was all done for love of country, and nothing else. These great patriots risked everything, not for money, not for influence. This was done for the freedom of their fellow men!

What do our leaders risk today? Is American freedom the foremost principle in their minds today? Has political agenda taken the place of the will of the people? Has personal power taken the place of servant hood in public office?

Our current office holders need to read a little history to see what the heritage of American leadership is supposed to reflect! None of our founding fathers assumed leadership with the hope of gaining anything; only freedom, not power, not influence; not only for themselves, but for all Americans. High ideals can mean great risk, but the reward is worth it!!