The foundations of the United States are shaking, and liberties enjoyed for over two centuries are being eroded. Laws are now in place that could strip these freedoms on slight pretext. The incident with the Branch Davidians serves as a stark reminder of this reality. Our own government wiped out nearly one hundred people, including about forty-five helpless children who were burned to death. Following this tragedy, President Bill Clinton declared it a lesson, and now legal frameworks exist to enable such actions with even less justification. Things are shifting into place, signaling a growing potential for governmental overreach and persecution.

The attack against the Branch Davidians of Waco, Texas serves as a poignant example of unjust persecution. Several months after the attack began, it became evident that it was instigated by disgruntled members from within the church itself. Such internal discord is not uncommon, yet it highlights that persecution does not necessarily indicate sin within the group. Just as with other historical religious persecutions, the assault on the Branch Davidians underscores the reality that external attacks can stem from internal conflicts rather than inherent wrongdoing.

April 19 marks the anniversary of significant events in American history, including the final day of the Branch Davidian standoff in Waco, Texas, in 1993. The federal government's final assault on the Branch Davidian compound resulted in the deaths of 76 civilians. This action not only aimed to end the siege but was also designed to shift the baseline of federal power over gun owners and religious sects. Like other events of that date, it was an attempt to provoke change through violence, leaving many Americans distressed by the tragic outcome.