Freedom Without Apology
by Michael Doyle

The Declaration of Independence is the only foundation
Legitimate for the civil government of our great nation
History has shown the path forward, and it is man's test
To put aside all nations building an empire through conquest

While we must not go abroad in search of monsters to destroy
There are many right-minded reasons for which we do deploy
Being ever mindful of all needed measures of true constraint
And being even more cautious than over-extending needs restraint

We still cannot afford to ignore a rising tide against freedom
That would seek to invade other nations to rule as if a kingdom
Putin's march into Ukraine is but one link in his planned chain
It is villains like this that we must join together to constrain

The global decline in respecting democratic freedom is alarming
It's accompanying growth in autocracy is far less than charming
It undermines international peace and hinders national security
Backsliding on human rights, it strips away human dignity

We must redirect and fix our military, which has become broken
Led by miscreants of the Woke who lead loudly and outspoken
Undermining needed cohesion and lacking strict accountability
A politicized oversight distracts from honing our capabilities

More than ever, we need to marshal our allies' full engagement
And interoperability to seek and keep advantageous agreement
Deterrence, denial, and defeat are made easier with our friends
At least with those on whom we know that we can always depend

This is not the time to abandon principle for increased isolation
Such moves against our true hearts can only damage our nation
Appeasement has never worked to gain peace in all of history
This is a fundamental lesson drawn from time without mystery

As we take our courageous steps, we must holdfast to the policy
That holds true to the first principles of our nation's history
The Declaration and our Constitution are the true rule of law
Without holding fast, deconstructing these can only lead to fall

These principles strongly call for a reasoned rededication
To these things necessary for the preservation of our nation
If we fail to do this, who then will? Destruction prevails
That which sought to shine will become this earth's worst Hell

Like Washington, we too, should swear to protect and defend 
Our constitutional legacy that allows us to openly contend
That America is the place to signal the light of our liberty
Freedom's call that is ours to keep within our reasoned dignity

There's no time like the present to think of a future coming fast
And set our steps in motion that will allow us to be steadfast
Ensuring that we, the People, pass on our freedom and liberty
As our greatest gift given to our children without apology

The selflessness dedication of the American people in their being
Is a priceless example, rare throughout history, and seldom seen
Armed with peerless, discerning hearts to see right and wrong
This is our place in history, for which we are suited and belong

Renewed in faith in the God of Heaven above, we will not only talk
The talk of freedom and liberty, but also bravely walk that walk
This rallying point of freedom is what makes our America so great
It is our rendezvous with destiny that we so boldly state

(c) September 23, 2023   Michael Doyle
All Rights Reserved