Some Personal Thoughts on July 4th
As our nation celebrates the 230th observance of our Independence Day, I am amazed that I am witnessing this day. The American Declaration of Independence revolutionized the way the world understood the very notion of government. What is so amazing is that the lofty principles and ideas that document embodies are still at the heart of our American system of government today. As fundamental ideas of how men should govern themselves, it would seem that these principles still work pretty well today and that you and I are lucky enough to be here as citizens in a free and still open society. We are very fortunate.
I can choose to affiliate myself with any religion and not fear persecution. I enjoy the freedom of speech and I can assemble with people of a like mind when I feel the need to make my voice heard. I can live as a free man in a society which offers me the possiblility to realize my potential, if I am willing to work hard and smart enough. I live in a nation in which I still feel very safe, despite the unseen but implied threat of terrorism on our home ground. Finally, as much as I want to be safe, I am not willing to forfeit my rights and privileges as a citizen, in order to simply be safe. What is the point of being safe if I am not a free man in an open society.
I am proud to be an American. I am thankful that I am enjoying the perks that go with being an American and I fully undestand that nothing in life is free of cost. I understand that I have a responsibility as a citizen to make sure that the values and institutions, that have made the United States such a good place to live, survive and prosper. That implies that I am expected to do whatever I have the power to do to make that happens. It is not a choice that I can simply opt out of making.
Finally, I am in awe of all the people over the last 230 years who have fought and struggled and sacrificed to guarantee that this nation will survive. I know that the United States is not a perfect society or political entity. But I know of few other places in the world where I would rather live.
I hope you all had a very pleasant and thoughtful Fourth of July holiday.
Kindest regards,
Howard Fireman
Houston, Texas
I can choose to affiliate myself with any religion and not fear persecution. I enjoy the freedom of speech and I can assemble with people of a like mind when I feel the need to make my voice heard. I can live as a free man in a society which offers me the possiblility to realize my potential, if I am willing to work hard and smart enough. I live in a nation in which I still feel very safe, despite the unseen but implied threat of terrorism on our home ground. Finally, as much as I want to be safe, I am not willing to forfeit my rights and privileges as a citizen, in order to simply be safe. What is the point of being safe if I am not a free man in an open society.
I am proud to be an American. I am thankful that I am enjoying the perks that go with being an American and I fully undestand that nothing in life is free of cost. I understand that I have a responsibility as a citizen to make sure that the values and institutions, that have made the United States such a good place to live, survive and prosper. That implies that I am expected to do whatever I have the power to do to make that happens. It is not a choice that I can simply opt out of making.
Finally, I am in awe of all the people over the last 230 years who have fought and struggled and sacrificed to guarantee that this nation will survive. I know that the United States is not a perfect society or political entity. But I know of few other places in the world where I would rather live.
I hope you all had a very pleasant and thoughtful Fourth of July holiday.
Kindest regards,
Howard Fireman
Houston, Texas
posted by hfireman | 9:56 PM
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