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Life, Liberty, and the
Pursuit of Happiness
 History of Inalienable Rights
The Declaration of IndependenceThe Declaration of Independence, one of our nation’s foundational documents, states in simple eloquence
a philosophy of government which is profound, viable, and Biblically correct. In the
words of the Declaration,
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We hold these truths to be self–evident,
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That all men are created equal,
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That they are endowed by their Creator
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with certain unalienable Rights,
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That among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
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That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among
Men,
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Deriving their just powers from
the consent of the governed.
Free beach access is vitally important to all beach
lovers, whether they just stroll on them in the midnight breeze or if they are trying to catch the big one that just barely
got away.
As for surfers, they are always willing to share their special stories of how hollow it was or as fishermen
do, how big it was, but the special stories are always those shared with friends when they catch it just right, uncrowded,
with their friends.
As a surfer since 1962, I discovered Cape Hatteras long before it was popular. I was lucky. My
Dad was a hardcore, good – no, a great – fisherman who loved Cape Hatteras and the uncrowded areas that others
seemed to know nothing about.
Throughout the ‘60s was the best of times because it felt like our very own paradise.
Yes,
time does change many things, and we know that it is often times called progress.
Once again, as fishermen, surfers,
and just ordinary beach lovers, we know that if any beach in the world closes off access, then we have all lost.
Crowding
people into “commercial zones” is never a viable alternative.
In the case of the Outer Banks and, especially
Cape Hatteras, we all know that it isn't the buildings, it isn't the glitter, nor is it hype that attracts the masses.
It is an attraction that few areas are blessed with at
all.
God did this area well. Most people don't realize how really perfect it is.
It is simply the ocean,
the beaches, the friendliness of locals, and the sense of peace that the area naturally offers.
I have no answers,
nor do I have a viable solution, but I know for sure that, yes, the environment is important, but certainly not the most important.
Beach access, free beach access is the attraction and the freedom is worth protecting.
If this right is denied to those
who love this area the most, then what we have really lost is our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Aren't
we as Americans guaranteed those rights?
Shame on those who are blinded by either greed or by some misguided environmental
political power move that blinds their perspective.
Human rights should be held in the highest regard and those who
have never set foot on the sands of Cape Hatteras to fish, surf, or even walk, will never understand nature’s freedom
and how it enriches one's soul.
Collectively we all are caretakers of the coast and have been long before this controversial
issue.
I pray that the decision-makers rule in favor of exactly what the locals desire and that blind ignorance doesn't
prevail.
Just look north to Virginia or south to Myrtle Beach and then breathe in the salt air slowly in Hatteras.
What
you're breathing in is freedom, and that is definitely worth protecting and educating others of its value.
Those opposing
freedom should leave well enough alone and go home.
I predict maybe a long battle, and at times it may even feel like
a losing battle, but the Hatteras I have grown to know always seems to win.
Why, you may ask, and I'll say simply just
this -- because it's Hatteras.
If your community wins, we all win.
Rob Beedie
Global Surf Network
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MAYBE TOGETHER
WE CAN WIN THE BEACH ACCESS ISSUE
United We Stand * Divided We Fail |
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