Whether or not the Declaration of Independence was issued on 4 July 1776, we have decided to codify that date. And, that means we celebrate our freedoms on that day- today. (Thankfully, it is not among those days that Congress, in its infinite wisdom [read as stupidity], elected to move to Mondays, affording a longer weekend.) We celebrate the day with fireworks, with going to the beach, with barbeques, and with get-togethers.
I, personally, detest those folks who want to celebrate the day with their “Love it or leave it” attitudes. Most of them seem to only have a cartoon idea of what it is that America originated and for what it stands. Especially as our government routinely violates our Constitution and its first 10 Amendments (which we term our “Bill of Rights”), in the name of protecting us.
Let us celebrate the idea of America. By making sure we make it the reality of America.
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.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed
Oh, and happy birthday to my son, Daniel, who graced this world 22 years ago today.
We have to be constantly vigilant or the gov’t will make up its own mind.
There is a difference between making up it’s mind- and being bought off by military contractors, Carol. Take a really good look at those “security provisions” that the Republicans demanded in the Immigration Bill. They specify which manufacturer’s equipment to buy- sometimes how many!
You speak the truth Roy. I agree with you and how our government is violating our rights.
Shawn recently posted..Proud To Be An American
We need to remember that, just like with our computers, there is a tradeoff between security from intrusion and attack and the ability to work unfettered, Shawn.
Happy birthday to your son. Cool birthday. Your last line prior to his birthday wish sums up a lot. We get what we (collectively) vote in. For those that complain and don’t vote get registered. For those of us that vote and still aren’t happy then I guess we need to get busier…..
Yup…(It used to be my anniversary, too! You know- in with a bang…)
And, I agree with that last line…
And, E.J. Dionne focused on the last line in the Declaration- and it is inspiring!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/ej-dionne-jr-a-call-for-national-service/2013/07/03/a65bce5a-e402-11e2-a11e-c2ea876a8f30_story.html
So true Roy! And happy birthday to Daniel! I love the announcement.
Thanks for the visit AND the sentiment, Suerae. Yes, that was a most creative card!
I guess your son is a bit younger than the Constitution. Holidays should be more than just a long weekend, but long weekends are nice.
David:
Long weekend are nice- but moving holidays denigrates their importance and removes the association of the event with the underlying cause.
Happy belated Dominion Day.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. Where did that go?
Ann Mullen recently posted..Senior Care: 10 Top Tips to Handling Stress
The problem is how we count the votes- and why so many don’t, Ann.
For example, 51% of those who voted, voted for Democratic Congressfolks. But, that is not the makeup of Congress. It’s why folks need to vote in STATE elections. (You know, the ones they think don’t count.) Because, that sets congressional districts. Which, if not gerrymandered, mean that people can get representatives that serve the people.
And, whether Democratic or Republican, we need to choose representatives and Senators who choose to do what is best for the country as a whole- not the lobbyists who give them money.
Well, I think that we tend to forget that we are very fortunate to live in democratic countries. OK, all is not perfect and we must be careful, but all in all, it is not that bad, is it? Happy 4th of July!
MuMuGB recently posted..Waiting Games
Now, Muriel, are we talking in abstract or in practice?
I hope your son’s birthday was wonderful, and that you had a good holiday. Sorry this is so late 🙁 I’m behind on every-freaking-thing.
Lisa recently posted..Novae Prime by Lisa Brandel
All sentiments are adored- lateness is never an issue, Lisa…