A NEVER ENDING STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE :The Spirit of ’76 Continues But Struggle Takes Different Form 

On the 250^th anniversary of the American “Declaration of Independence” Americans should take the time to reflect on what has occurred since day one.  Such a reflection, if it is honest, will recognize several distinguishing facts about American history.  First, our nation was and is the original anticolonial and anti-imperialist force in the world.   The ideas of national sovereignty, and self-determination were born within our shores and within our culture.         

Second, it was Americans from all races, nationalities and creeds, who sacrificed to expel arguably the most powerful imperialist empire of its time, Great Britain, from American shores. It is also important to remember that the struggle with this imperialist giant didn’t end with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763. It continued through the war of 1812 and concluded militarily in 1865 with the defeat of the empire’s proxy, the confederacy.         

It was the British empire afterall, who ultimately benefitted from the slave-based economy of the south, using the textiles produced from southern cotton to undermine the economies of both India and even China in order to expand its influence and power around the globe. Yet, despite this history, it was the American nation that came to the rescue of Great Britain in World War II to protect it from the scourge of National Socialism and subsequently from the tyranny of Soviet Communism.            

Today our nation faces a new challenge to its independence, not from foreign armies but rather from global finance.  Organizations like the Council of Foreign Relations in New York tell us that the world has out-grown the concept of national sovereignty.  Some go so far as to brand as racists those who adhere to our national values and pride.  It is ironic to note that the City of London, the former financial hub of the British empire is central to this globalist movement. Do not be fooled. Jealously guarding American national sovereignty, which George Washington described as “ the palladium of our political safety and property” makes good and honorable sense.         

Washington emphasized that our national sovereignty was the foundation of our liberty and survival.   Noted political historian Hannah Arendt vindicated Washington, when she wrote that “stateless people” lack any standing by which to claim human rights.   So as we observe and honor the 250^th anniversary of our birth, it is proper to give serious reflection as to what it means to be an American.  Our national identity was never built upon “blood and soil”.  Rather, it has and is based upon a deep personal commitment to honor and respect the rights of all people, a respect for God given freedom. and a resolve to resist with all our strength, those who would seek to place the yoke of serfdom or slavery upon us once again.

TOWN GIVES TEACHERS 10.4% RAISE OVER NEXT THREE YEARSGenereous Raises Given In The Shadow of a Looming Deficit

The Westford Teacher’s Union succeeded in pulling down a 10.4% contract over the next three years with the town of Westford.  The settlement was broken down as follows:  Year 1: 2.4%, Year 2: 3.7% and Year 3: 4.2%.  This generous settlement comes at a time when the town is facing a significant structural deficit. Unconfirmed reports place the town’s funding gap somewhere around 1.9M. This portends an extremely challenging budget process for FY27-28.