The Liberty Pole

In each issue of our newsletter, we highlight one of our events. In this issue, we want to showcase a recent Rifle Clinic in Gainesville Texas held on February 25-26. 

Some words from the Shoot Boss (Ghostring) –

“On a cold, overcast, drizzly, cold (did I say that already?) morning of February 25th, in the year of our Lord 2023, upon the sainted grounds of Goin
Firearms, did trod 7 Americans harkening from three great families...

They came to learn the History and Heritage of our great nation. They came to learn marksmanship. And, they came to shoot.
Boy, did they come to shoot!” 

Click HERE to view the full After Action Report.  

The train of events that led to the American War for Independence began more than a decade before the Declaration of Independence was penned. In March of 1765, England imposed a Stamp Act tax upon the colonists. This required that all printed materials in America (books, newspapers, documents, and so forth) be printed only on paper that bore an embossed royal stamp, meaning that a tax had been paid on those materials. The colonists were not opposed to paying taxes, but they were opposed to paying taxes when they had no voice in the decision—they objected to Parliament taxing them without their input. In their view, the Stamp Act tax violated the principle of private property: the British were taking their private property (their money) without their permission, or the permission of those they themselves had chosen to represent them. Many leaders spoke out against the Stamp Act, including Christian ministers such as the Rev. George Whitefield and the Rev. Charles Chauncy, as well as political leaders such as James Otis and Samuel Adams in Massachusetts, and Patrick Henry in Virginia.

Henry had become a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses (the state legislature) shortly after the Stamp Act Tax had been imposed. He was new in the state assembly, but when he found no one willing to stand publicly and oppose the tax, he felt compelled to act. He therefore penned resolutions against the Stamp Act and introduced them in the legislature. Because several members were staunchly pro-British and therefore supported whatever the British did, Henry reported, “Upon offering them [the resolutions] to the house, violent debates ensued. Many threats were uttered, and much abuse cast on me.” Those debates were intense and highly emotional.

At one point in the discussions, Henry brought up lessons from history he felt were applicable. He invoked ancient Roman history and noted that when Caesar (the Roman Emperor and leader) disregarded the wishes of the people, Brutus rose to kill him for the good of the country. He similarly noted that in England’s own history, when King Charles I had similarly disregarded the people, Oliver Cromwell had him executed for the good of the people and the country. Henry then brought his lesson home to the current British ruler, King George III, noting, “Caesar had his Brutus; Charles the First, his Cromwell; and George the Third…,” but before he could finish his sentence, the shout of “Treason! Treason!” erupted from every part of the room. They believed he was calling for the murder of King George III, but, as one historian recorded, without any hesitation Henry “finished his sentence with the firmest emphasis, ‘may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it’.”  In an instant he turned the debate in an unexpected direction, and had refused to back down.

Henry’s speech had a significant impact in rallying the patriots in the Virginia legislature. He reported the outcome:

“After a long and warm contest, the resolutions [against the Stamp Act] passed by a very small majority…. The alarm spread throughout America with astonishing quickness, and the ministerial party [the pro-British] were overwhelmed. The great point of resistance to British taxation was universally established in the colonies. This brought on the war, which finally separated the two countries, and gave independence to ours. Whether this will prove a blessing or a curse will depend upon the use our people make of the blessings which a gracious God hath bestowed on us. If they are wise, they will be great and happy. If they are of a contrary character, they will be miserable. Righteousness alone can exalt them as a nation.”

The crossed legged position is the most stable seated position for most people, but many do have trouble getting into it. Of course, if it is unsafe for you to do so because of some physical limitation, don't do it. Safety first. However, many people can do it, if they put some work in and may find it quite rewarding. The same can be said for most of the positions and really anything that is worth doing in life. There is a great discussion going on at the forum with Instructors and shooters sharing their tips for the seated position. Yoga anyone? 

Read the full thread HERE. And please, I urge you to take part in the discussion yourself and share your own experiences.

Did you know that you can buy a map of Battle Road like the one used at our events? Great for classrooms, your gunroom, library or even the office. These maps are very high quality and a great conversation starter.

This map tells the Appleseed story of April 19, 1775 - the first day of the Revolutionary War. Follow the paths of Paul Revere and the other riders, see where the major first day battles occurred, and understand the history of the heroes that fought for our country. Printed on heavy outdoor-style canvas with four grommets for display. Size: 2 foot x 4 foot. And only $35.

Click HERE to order yours today!

Project Appleseed is celebrating Women's History Month and offering a 33% discount on a traditional 25m Rifle Clinic. Shoot Bosses and Instructors are also encouraged to share extra women's history stories this month at their events. Many times we focus on the men that fought in the Revolutionary War and forget that women, as well as children, played a big part and risked just as much for the cause of Liberty. And on all economic and societal levels too. Ours was a revolution by all types of Americans.

We have TONS of upcoming events lined up all across the country. Below are just a few of the special interest events that we want to mention. Reserve your spot today!  

Below is just a sample list of some of our upcoming events! This month we are showcasing our 25m events for March specifically.

REMINDER: Regrettably, Amazon has chosen to discontinue the Amazon Smile Program. This decision is not something particular to us, but rather across the board for all Amazon Smile participants. However, don't fret! There are still plenty of ways that you can contribute to Project Appleseed. You can buy tickets, buy store items, or make a 100% tax deductible donation. Of course, the thing valued above all is your time. Volunteers; those that can give up their time and help us out, in whatever capacity it may be, are what this program runs on. 

I hope you enjoyed this issue of Project Appleseed's, "The Liberty Pole". Please follow us on the social media links below and keep an eye on our schedule for future events to stay up to date about Project Appleseed. Lastly, if you would like to reach out to the editor, please send an email to newsletter@projectappleseed.net.  Thank you again for taking the time to read this newsletter and especially for being a part of Project Appleseed.

In Liberty,

Roswell "Ross" Crutchfield
Project Appleseed - a 501(c)3 Organization
Lead Newsletter Editor
Designated Shoot Boss 

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