If you're an American, it's likely that you recognize the 4th of July as the country's birthday. The day that the Declaration of Independence was adopted. Specifically, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies separation from Great Britain. And the rest, as they say, is history.
One of the things about the Revolutionary War that is generally accepted by historians is that it was a miserable and squalid affair. The Colonials were out manned, out gunned, lived in terrible conditions, suffered horrendous casualties, and had no business taking on the most powerful army in the world. And yet they did. And they kept going, sometimes in the face of insurmountable odds. That this band of colonialist-soldiers kept going in the their effort to pursue freedom was really not something that the world has ever seen. It took every bit of will, forbearance, wisdom, and faith in the cause they were championing for them to keep going. That cause was an idea...the idea of freedom. And it was never a sure thing. In some of the darkest days, the temptation to give up was I'm sure overwhelming. But dedication to the cause coupled with what was some inspired leadership won out. And we are all better for it.
When it was over they all went home and went about the business of creating and uplifting a country. There was no rounding up those on the other side and standing them before a firing squad. Those who sought citizenship were offered it. Those who disagreed on details continued to disagree. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two early heroes of country, carried on a terrible feud for decades. Their philosophies of governing couldn't have been more different. But each of them and their supporters continued to fight rhetorically for what they believed. They fought at the ballot box and in the newspapers...not on a field of battle or in the streets. And there was a recognition that differing beliefs did not mean differing dedication to the country. It's interesting that as they continued their arguments and differences into the next century, at the end of their lives they started a reconciliation. They exchanged letters and came to an understanding of sorts. The other interesting and almost spooky thing is that they both died on July 4th, 1826, 50 years after the Revolution.
I saw a story today someplace in the fetid world that the media has become that in interviews some young Americans are embarrassed of the country and believe we are a mean, vindictive, racist people. How sad. That says a lot about the state of education and the media today. Or at least about a few people interviewed. Now don't get me wrong. We have and have had plenty of problems. We've many times not lived up to our aspirations. There are many, many problems that must be addressed. And we still have a long way to go. But I think of my Dad and the evolution of his world from being born in a log cabin in Alabama in 1920 and living for 86 years, into the new century. Or myself, a child of the 50's and 60's and seeing the advances that we've achieved in all aspects of our culture, our civilization, our privileges, our openness, our specific laws designed to protect people, our recognition of the worth and dignity of every person and I marvel at where we are today. And look at the economic, scientific, and educational achievements among so many others and it boggles the mind. Many fellow citizens still haven't achieved the American dream, but that's not to say that many can't. My belief is that given the will and a small amount of help, anyone can achieve their dreams. We've seen it over and over and over.
So enjoy our birthday. While you're doing it think of those first patriots. Those who had a glimmer of what we could be given the chance. Those who were willing to give up all to achieve freedom. Those men who could come up with this, the greatest sentence in the greatest document every created..."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 those are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." One of those unalienable rights as declared by the Bill of Rights is Freedom of Speech. So complain all you want. Take a stand to hold the government and those doing harm to our fellow citizens accountable. Point out when the culture takes a turn in the wrong direction (in your opinion). It is the right and responsibility of every American to voice his or her grievances. But always, always, always remember this. If you are an American alive in 2021, you have won the greatest prize you could ever have or ever imagine by being born in this country.
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