4th of July: about more than money

I suspect this reflects the sentiment of a lot of people. The economy's down, 1 out of 10 people are out of work, and it's bad news all around. Nothing to celebrate this 4th of July, right?

Wrong.

Even if the United States as we know it ceases to exist (no longer inconceivable), July 4, 1776 will always be worthy of remembrance. On that day, centuries of political thought (and not a little Biblical wisdom) were mixed into one of the most potent statements ever issued about human society:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness."

An explosive declaration, worthy of commemoration with fireworks. But consider how we've dampened the flame. Many no longer believe we were created by God, thus undermining the Declaration's very basis for the assertion of equal value (not, as some believe, equality of talent or result). Instead of being content to allow government to protect our right to pursue our own happiness, we expect it to provide our happiness, and even protect us from our own folly. And now, when a substantial number of citizens openly challenge the government's chosen courses of action, they are mocked, scorned and considered more than a little odd.

Just remember, mocking often masks fear. Those who rule us (and, it must be said, increasingly plunder us) know full well the power of the ideas written above. They are content to have the 4th memorialized with holiday sales, picnics and fireworks. Just don't look too closely at what all the fuss was about 233 years ago.

When all else is gone--the economy, our relative security and comfort, even the current lines on a map, these ideas will remain. They do not belong to the United States, even if they were first uttered there in such eloquent form. And if the United States does not act in a manner worthy of its birthright, that birthright will eventually pass to some other society that is willing to shoulder the individual burdens of keeping the flame of liberty alive.

Make no mistake: America is my home, and I wish it only the best. But if I must ever choose between the principles upon which it was founded, and the nation it has become, there is no doubt in my mind which will retain my loyalty and affection. Want to celebrate in a worthy manner? Do some reading. And some thinking. It just might Revolution-ize your point of view.