July 4, 2015
I love this time
of the year. I break out all my colonial
era artifacts, all the red white and blue, historical memorabilia that reminds me
it’s time to celebrate our country, its freedoms, rights and liberties, and the
hardships that come along with it. I
hang my George Washington portrait, drape the bunting along the staircase, and
place a dozen tea stained small flags in a pewter chalice. I watch HBO’s JOHN ADAMS from beginning to
end. I love Paul Giamatti’s portrayal of
John Adams, and his years spent shaping our country alongside wife Abigail, and
statesmen Thomas Jefferson (my life long crush) and Ben Franklin. I reflect on the intentions of our original
framers.
I often see quotes
or billboards that say something to the affect…..FREEDOM ISN’T FREE. People, many thousands of them gave and
continue to give their lives so that we many uphold these original
confirmations of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness some 239 years
after the original signing of the Declaration of Independence July 4,
1776. Happy Birthday America!
Each day I listen
to news that focuses on all things negative and unpleasant in our country. I hear about infighting and disagreements and
lack of cooperation between political parties over a number of different
polarizing topics. Like you I tire of
it. It makes me crazy. I turn down the volume.
Yes, we are a
flawed and often impossible system. But
for all its flaws, and all its difficulties, and all the areas we could easily
see improvements in, if only the efforts were made. Over the past decade or so
I’ve come to know many recent immigrants to this country (yes, all here
legally) that tell stories of countries they left for ours. Hearing their journeys I still believe in my
gut and heart that this little republic of ours is still the best gig
around. With all its struggles and
challenges, the foundation remains strong.
Are things changing? Of course
they are. But that doesn’t mean it’s
horrible or can’t be saved, or the ship is sinking. As the face of our demographics change our democracy
shall change too. The constitution can
remain firm and strong while changing with the face of our people. But then I’m a ‘continuous improvement’ kind
of gal. There’s always a solution, so
there is always hope.
So whether you are
having a quiet celebration at home, or having a big backyard BBQ, or going full
out for a community picnic and fireworks, just remember the many that worked to
create this wonderful place we call our country, the United States of
America. Be grateful. And have a wonderful and safe celebration.
Happy Birthday
America!!
