It is 4th of July everywhere but Birthday Celebration in the United States! What a proud, happy time it is.
It definately is a time to remember those who have given us our freedoms, support those who are currently defending our freedoms, and think about our selection of those people who guide this nation. Through history we have had many heroes who have laid the groundwork for a great nation. Some of those principles are freedom of religion, freedom of free speech, and opportunity for all.
The simple truth is that in translation some (a minority) feel this should be a freedom FROM religion. They don’t stop to realize that their choice to not believe should not for forced on those of us who do believe and how we believe. Their inititive to put their belief on everyone is against the beginning of this country “One Nation Under God”. We need to go back to basics. There are many other places in this world that don’t share this belief – if you don’t believe, try another country.
Freedom of free speech should mean just that. If someone thinks differently than you they still have the right to say something about their beliefs. An individual should not be silenced because he offends a few – those few might consider the source and move on to other concerns. By never being allowed to voice a difference of opinion we do not have freedom of speech. People do get their feeling hurt – don’t we try to teach child that is life. I’m not suggesting out and out humiliation of any group but I do believe voices should not be quieted from stating their feelings and beliefs.
The United States of America was built on the ability of each individual to grow, build, prosper as they wish. We need to be sure people do have those opportunities not necessarily the right to success. The opportunities should be for United States citizens over guest to this country for education assistance, health care and housing assistance. The United States government is quick to help other nations, refugees, disaster victims. There are many citizens of our own nation that are not given the same consideration because they are not in one of the former groups. Single mothers returning to school but not yet a certain age are denied grants that alien students are freely given. Uninsured young adults because they are students living on their own and trying to get through school are denied state funded medical care because they don’t meet income limits – student grants and loans don’t count as income. I could go on but the idea is out there. This should be a land of opportunity for all our citizens.
This is a day of Celebration and reflection – how far have we come? how far do we have to go? What is each of us doing to help the nation grow in the principles on which it was founded?
