Independence

Independence is defined by dictionary.com as the state or quality of being independent from the control, influence, support, aid, or the like, of others.  That’s a pretty boring read but it sums it up pretty good.

Two centuries plus ago we established our independence from England and embarked on a grand journey of securing that independence for future generations to live and prosper under.  Are you independent today?  Have you ever really felt freedom in one of the freest countries in the world?

Well, if you have never been imprisoned or otherwise held against your will you will never truly know the feeling of freedom.  Freedom lies at the core of independence; one cannot live and thrive without the other.

As I listen to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA” at 7:30pm or so the night before we celebrate our independence…my heart is weary, but my spirit is alive.  You see I feel sadness for those that sacrificed for my freedoms and I feel helpless to control the fate of future freedom fighters out there across the world…our troops represent us…they represent freedom and all it stands for…they are our freedom fighters… and they are ready like never before for the battles ahead.

There will never be another Benghazi under a competent watch…and the last President and his lame duck Secretary of State did an awful job on their watch.  It seems they were more interested in funding their own special interests by selling our assets to our potential enemies.  The truth will bear this out…in due time every dog has his and her day.

Our troops including those in and under the sea as well as those in the skies are on station and have done more in the last year to degrade the terrorist infrastructure then the last four under…well you know who.  Trust me, for the most part the hooded bad guys over there can hardly move without us knowing it; but we must leave no stone unturned lest one slip away like the snakes they are.

Independent….are you?  Yes, your freedoms are secure and continue to evolve to better serve a growing and learning nation.  Some would have total freedom which would lead to anarchy.  Others want a shared society but that will only lead to tyranny.  So what is our choice? 

Well, our choice is already made…we are a land governed by the rule of laws…a Republic…One Nation with Liberty and Justice for All…One Nation Under God…and don’t ever forget that last sentence, One Nation Under God…for the day we do as a nation…is the day we will suffer a much worse calamity then any anarchist or tyrant could ever imagine.

Our country is independent from other nations…but we are not independent of our own government, nor should we be.  Others fought and died for this independence and many dedicated Americans put together a Constitution and Bill of Rights that together with the Declaration of Independence form the foundation…the corner stones of our great country. 

But it takes four corner stones and I only mentioned three….well the fourth is us as a people.  It is up to us…all of us…you and me…to cherish this independence for it is more than fireworks and loud noises…it is the pride of being born in the USA and defending the freedoms that so many take for granted, while others dream of experiencing just a bit of the prosperity and independence this country offers .

Independence…free from the control and aid of others.  That means you are self-sufficient.  Are you self-sufficient?  Can you make it on your own?  If not, then you are not truly experiencing freedom. 

Some have no choice but to be dependent.  They are the sick and elderly…not the tired and lazy.  We have created a partially dependent society amidst our independence as a nation.  Many years ago, after WWII some thought it a good idea to subsidize the less fortunate.  Well it sounded good on the surface but at its root it was just another way for misguided leaders to placate their special interests and the end result is a welfare class that feels entitled, while their programs are ripe with fraud.

You want to experience true freedom????  Work for it!!!  Because if you are dependent on anyone or anything in this world…you are not free…you are trapped in a world, that guess what…you created. 

The only way to experience true freedom and independence is to have the realization that you can survive and even thrive in any environment.  You know, for example, that if you lost your job tomorrow another one will find you.  You must have faith in God…certainly…but you must also have faith in your own abilities and capabilities to live the life you want. 

Some want a family, some want their alone time...some like the city, others the country.  Some like the beach, others the mountains...some want to earn big money while others just want to live comfortably. In any case, find your slice of happiness and it will go a long way in helping you feel the power of freedom in and around you.

Freedom, Independence….All Men Created Equal…One Nation Under God…Liberty and Justice for All.  Strong words to live up to…do you have it in you ???  

BAS 7/3/2018  8:45 pm EST