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...
230 years ago, a group of courageous men and women believed that. They fought for it. They died for it. They believed that it was better to die free than live in bondage, beneath the thumb of a tyrant. And for more than two centuries, we've clung to that ideal, we've continued to fight for our freedom and independence. But now, in the year 2006, it seems that we've come full circle and are once again living beneath the thumb of a tyrant, our freedom and liberty threatened by the very people charged with safeguarding it.
Today is the 4th of July. Our Independence Day. It is the day we celebrate those uniquely American ideals and institutions, honor the sacrifice and commitment of those that gave everything to make this country free, to make this country great. As I sit on my patio, writing this, I can hear music and laughter, smell hambrugers and hot dogs on the grill and all around me are the sounds of firecrackers popping, Piccolo Pete's whistling and a lot of other things going boom Of course, I can hear a lot of sirens too because fireworks are a big no-no in this city. And though I'd love to go an join the fun, I've instead chosen to spend a quiet day alone, honoring our Independence Day in my own way. I just can't seem to bring myself to celebrate when the reason for this day, the ideals that are the foundation of this country are being rolled up and flushed down the toilet.
Much to the dismay of friends and family that wanted me to go out with them, I've spent some time today reading the Declaration of Independence, reflecting on it. And not for the first time, I was struck by how many of the complaints the colonists lodged against King George we suddenly find valid again today. Don't worry, I won't reprint them all here. I think the multitude of diaries on the subject have already covered it. It just goes to show though, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
I believe that it was Russ Feingold who spoke of a pre-1776 mentality and he was exactly right. Though society as changed through the years, in some ways evolved and our technology has improved, the Bush Administration has returned us to the days of the rulers and the ruled, masters and servants, the powerful and the weak. It's appalling to me, to see the utter betrayal of the memories of those who gave so much in defense of our ideals and our values. It disgusts me to see the pure contempt of the sacrifices made by so many so that you and I can live free. The flag waving, slogan chanting, faux patriotism on display by Bush and his supporters, on this day of all days, a day where we honor and celebrate what this country stands for, the ideals and values we cherish and hold dear, makes me sick to the very center of my soul.
230 years ago, a group of people stood defiant and declared their independence because they had a dream of what this country could be. Today that dream is tattered and battered, but it is still alive in each and every single one of us. The days seem dark, the obstacles numerous and the dream is a little harder to see, but it is still there. The Grand Little Experiment that is America is far from perfect, but it is worth fighting tooth and nail for. I believe, as the Framers did, in what this country can be. I believe that we can be a people both compassionate and just. I believe that we can be a good example to the world, a bright beacon in the darkness and not the boogeyman we've become. I believe that we have so much more to offer the world than bullets and bombs, deadlines and ultimatums. We can offer hope and love.
As a people, we've allowed ourselves, through apathy and inaction, to become a global leper. But as a people, I believe that we can pull ourselves out of this morass. Being a part of this community has helped rekindle the hope within me. Though we bicker, squabble and fight, I believe that in the end, we all want to the same things; a government we can be proud of and a country that lives up to the dream those people had all those long years ago.
The fight will be tough and the work will be arduous. But we all know, as the colonists did, that it is better to die free than live beneath the thumb of a tyrant and that some things are worth fighting for. Things seem bleak right now, but it's not too late to start fulfilling the promise of what this country can be. I believe that we the people can move mountains. I believe that we can change the world.