On July 4, 1776, the United States officially claimed its independence from Great Britain. America and the complexities of democracy as we know it today (whatever synonym works for you) came to be on this day in 1776. As America celebrates another birthday, it reminds us all on why our founding fathers left their lands and homes, traveled miles and across oceans in search of economic freedom(well, and religious freedom too).
Ever year, we take a moment (after the steak and potato dinner) to remember why we embraced the idea of ‘land of the free and the home of the brave.’ Back in 1776, the founding fathers wisely adopted John Locke’s idea, and thought the American Dream should indeed include, Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Of course they understood that happiness was almost impossible to define (just as it is elusive to attain) hence the word ‘pursuit.’
As we eat and drink (no driving afterward) remember Independence Day is a reminder of independent thinking that built a great nation from a few men and women who sought a better life. Along the way the nation has many scars; some deeper than others(especially Indians and Slave Trade); but this is the one day in the year that patriotism and Walgreens’ blasting your ears with the song "This Land Is Your Land", is justified. While you stuff yourself with food, remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives for you and be thankful. Trust my guess, but life under King Henry XVX or King George VIVV was not as fascinating as your history books will like you to think. Thank God for George Washington and the rest of the founding fathers. Thank God for George Mason of Virginia, the rich landowner who cared so much about including Bill of Rights in the Constitution. Thanks for Mr. Mason bloggers like me, and a bunch of knuckleheads count on the First Amendment rights to write what we think, and educate the rest of the simple minds who confuse Ben Sherman the designer with Roger Sherman the founding father.
This years holiday is slightly different; gas prices are at a record high, the troops are still stuck in Afghanistan (Iraq is a whole different story), Barack Obama is almost president, George Bush’s reign is almost over and gas prices are ridiculous (oops I think I said that already.) The point is, there are mixed blessings in America, but let’s face it, would you rather be in Zimbabwe?God bless us all. . .
