The Distinction between Law and Politics

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Byline: Randolph J. May, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

In July 1776, when John Hancock and the other 55 signatories to the Declaration of Independence mutually pledged their Lives, Fortunes and sacred Honor, the pledge was not to be taken lightly. By their act, their lives and fortunes were, indeed, put at risk.

Later that year, with the battlefield situation confronting George Washington's army dire, Thomas Paine stirred his fellow revolutionaries with these words from his broadside, The Crisis :

These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by …