Happy 4th of July!
On this Independence Day weekend I have been doing some reflections about it and what it means to me.
INDEPENDENCE. A state of perfect irresponsibility to any superior; the United States are free and independent of all earthly power. 2. Independence may be divided into political and natural independence. By the former is to be understood that we have contracted no tie except those which flow from the three great natural rights of safety, liberty and property. The latter consists in the power of being able to enjoy a permanent well-being, whatever may be the disposition of those from whom we call ourselves independent. In that sense a nation may be independent with regard to most people, but not independent of the whole world. Vide on of Independence.
Source: Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
Hmmm but is this reality. When this nation was fought for and formed by our founding fathers...yes. Today "We the People" are dependent on oil, living in shelters or worse yet parks and cars with our children, searching endlessly for employment, looking to a government for help that either doesnt have the funds to do it due to waste, corruption, poor choices and its own greed. The "Bring us your poor and downtrodden" should be on hold till we first can take care of our own.
Personally..I have always thought of my self as independent. But also, in the past few years that has been affected by the big picture. Not only am I dependent on the government for unemployment that is gonna run out and food, but a healthcare system that is non-existent for those of us who have no money or insurance. It is a sad fact that many of us who need surgery, medication do not get it. Hypocrates does not exist in the medical society today.
Who is responsible for all this? Well in fact, most of us are in so many ways. We go around in our happy lil worlds doing what freedom says we can do. We are extravagant, wasteful, and complacent. But ask us to do anything to change it and we are reluctant to give up any luxuries or creature comforts as we are entitled to them. On this Independence Day it is not my wish to be cynical but in fact to stir the independent pride and soul in all of us to do whatever it is we can to get back to that feeling of Stars and Stripes forever. Because if we don't stand up for ourselves and we don't get a reign on our government, I'm not sure the "forever" part will be.
To our soldiers and military personnel..God Bless you for always protecting even the most down trodden of us all. For putting your lives on the line for other people's agenda's that maybe you shouldn't be asked to. You are always in my prayers.
Have a safe and blessed holiday weekend!