Rumors to the contrary notwithstanding, the sun did indeed rise in the east this morning. Just like it did yesterday and like it will do tomorrow.

Our faith in the regularity and predictability of the sun's appearance every morning mirrors the faith we should have in America. The USA has been around for 234 years - Constitutional government a bit less. Over that time, we have survived calamities worse than Obamacare - tragedies that shook the nation to its very foundation as Obamacare has done. But somehow, there were enough people who continued to have faith in America, in its people, and in its principles that we survived the rough patches and found our way back.

If there had been an internet in 1814, would the reaction to the British burning of Washington, D.C. have been "Woe is us! All is lost! Freedom and independence are gone!" Or would it have been as it was; a bunch of hard cases manning the battlements at Fort McHenry outside of Baltimore while the entire British Navy poured shot and shell against it - more than 2200 projectiles smashing into the sturdy walls as the fate of American liberty hung - really hung - in the balance.

I daresay those stout fellows who celebrated the sunrise with Francis Scott Key by looking up at the enormous flag flying over the fort and feeling the same emotions that inspired Key to write our National Anthem did not have despair in their hearts, did not shrink from their responsibilities, nor did they wring their hands and lament the passing of the republic.

They didn't give up. Why are some of you?

Obamacare is a dagger aimed at America's vitals. We can all agree on that. But national healthcare will be challenged in the courts - all the way to the Supreme Court. It will be fought at the ballot box where the people will have a chance in November to elect legislators who will want to dismantle it. It will be fought in pubs, diners, across kitchen tables, over backyard fences, in dorm rooms, fraternity and sorority houses, - anyplace and everyplace Americans gather to talk and argue about the issues of the day.

The fight is not over. And to give up before we start the next phase of opposition to Obamacare is - well - unAmerican. Tea partiers, local Republican clubs, even informal groups of neighbors banding together in common cause can help make a difference.

The question is not "Where were you when Washington was burned?" But rather "Did you stand with the defenders of Fort McHenry?"

The choice - and the future - is yours.