Independence is worth celebrating. Happy 4th of July!!!
Independence is worth sharing, as well. What does that mean? It means freedom for all. In the In the Declaration of Independence, the authors stated that “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.” We haven’t gotten this perfect over our history, but our Purpose is to grow—to be better today than we were yesterday. We cannot celebrate independence and be divided.
The divisive “us” v. “them” mentality that is currently rampant in these United States of America is contrary to the ideal upon which this country was founded. An environment in which we increasingly gather in small collectives that define all those who don’t belong as evil is simply un-American. Having (or wanting) a government that fails to derive its power from the “consent of the governed” is no longer freedom. If we demand the right to “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” yet deprive another of that right, we are no longer free.
Freedom is not free of responsibility. Indeed, it comes with greater responsibility. Consider this when you think about exercising your “freedom”.
A country that is free is ironically united. In my humble opinion, freedom is the exercise of love your enemy and love your neighbor as yourself.
Happy Independence Day!!
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!