Thursday; July 4

          When the American colonies decided that enough was enough, they produced a document that would express their position.  The Declaration of Independence highlighted the grievances against England, but it also laid a foundation for what would become the heart and soul of the American Experiment.  A part of this document notes, “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.”.  While we have struggled with defining just exactly what this has meant through the decades (and how it would look in our nation), this statement has been at the core of the discussions as to how we define ourselves. 
          The last 243 years have had their ups and downs, but I still believe that our system of beliefs have value when we focus on what is really important.  Sure, things like wealth, education and technological development can make for an easier life, but the bottom line of our national script still rests on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  Interestingly, the thing that makes our nation special isn’t in us guaranteeing these rights for ourselves and our comrades, it is a willingness to grant these rights to others.  Our uniqueness is found in helping others (especially those less fortunate) secure these same assurances for themselves.
          As we pause to celebrate our nation’s independence, let’s be happy for what we have been given and let’s commit to safeguarding the same opportunities for other citizens.  When we look out for each other, we will all enjoy better lives.
         Think About It!

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