I'm sure I'm not alone in forgetting many of the details learned so long ago in history class. Colonists didn't like the way King George III was ruling and decided to establish their own nation with its own government. War ensued, lives were lost, but the United States of America was born. As I read the text of the Declaration of Independence, I can see that the Congress took the matter very seriously. I can imagine long and heated discussions. But they talked and argued--and reached an agreement.
Sure, it's a different world now than it was in 1776. But I think sometimes it would be worth it to remind ourselves how our country began:
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.
Perhaps it's no longer that simple.
I don't usually discuss my political opinions. There are a lot of things not working right now in our system. Over the last 236 years, I think "blame" could be placed on both parties, all branches of government, presidents and mayors and everyone in between. And of course, on the people who vote or choose to not vote. We all share the responsibility.
But in spite of our thoughts on any given issue, let us not forget that we live in a country where we can legally voice our opinions. It may seem like only a whisper buried in political rhetoric, but we can make ourselves heard. We are incredibly fortunate to live here.
The colonists identified a common goal and by working together, they achieved independence from British rule. Can't we take a step back and remember that we all have the same basic rights and the same basic goal? We are, after all, the United States.
Happy Independence Day!
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