LOWRY'S SALUTE TO FREDERICK DOUGLASS

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July 4, 2013

Dear Friend,

May I suggest an . . . interesting way to appropriately mark this great day?

As you know, my colleague, Rich Lowry, has written an important new book, Lincoln Unbound: How an Ambitious Young Railsplitter Saved the American Dream -- and How We Can Do It Again.

The affairs of Lincoln's times are very much on his mind, hence Rich's recent column on "Frederick Douglass, self-made man." It focuses on the former slave and his historic July 4th, 1852 speech in Rochester, New York. Rich writes:

In his legendary July Fourth oration, he said this holiday "is yours, not mine," and lashed the country for the national sin of slavery. But he honored the country's founding, in words that will always be true. "The 4th of July is the first great fact in your nation's history — the very ringbolt in the chain of your yet undeveloped destiny," he declared. "Cling to this day — cling to it, and to its principles, with the grasp of a storm-tossed mariner to a spar at midnight."

Today, of all days, a reflection, even brief, on liberty and freedom -- of what it means to have it, and to be denied it – is worth your while. They are as relevant to our time as they were to that of Douglass and Lincoln. Which is why Rich has shot this short video, which I know you will find informative and inspiring.

I hoped you watched. Please also check out Rich's column (and Douglass's speech, which can be found here -- it's not very long).

As for Rich's book, you can learn more about it at www.lincolnunbound.com, and you can order it here.

May you and all those you hold dear enjoy a great Fourth, and toast the blessings of liberty.

Best,

Jack Fowler
Publisher

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