Let's Talk About Independence Day

Just some thoughts on July Fourth  -
It's notable that this day is called Independence Day.  There are many other terms and phrases that could have been chosen, but Independence Day it is.

The dictionary defines independence as "not dependent, and not subject to control by others." America was founded by people who refused to allow a monarchy to control their lives and their religious choices.  They believed people should have the freedom to choose a path in life and pursue happiness.

The concept of freedom is simple.  The idea that freedom comes with responsibility is not the most popular, but it is a basic truth that is going to make or break this country.  Independence allows freedom, but freedom alone does not provide independence.

Freedom means the availability to make choices and decisions.  This is something still allowed in this country, but it is being eroded daily by excessive regulations and laws established to prevent and control things that are statistically irrelevant. It is also diminished when politicians are allowed to create voting districts and prison populations by design. Compromise is a requirement that is a part of independence that many seem to have forgotten or simply want to ignore, and it is not based on pretension or avoidance, it is based on integrity and facts.

A government based on the guidelines of a democratic republic, of the people and by the people, should not be bought and controlled by elitist groups or corporate entities.  If average citizens, however, choose apathy, laziness, and lack of involvement, special interest groups and manipulators will always step in to take advantage of the vacuum.  Follow the money.

Much of the debt in this country has been created by manipulative laws, intentionally deceptive speculators, and taxation. No matter how many times one yells "free market," market manipulation negates the truth of that term.  Tax benefits to one percent of the population and corporations will not result in job creation.  In fact, their gains will likely be invested in growing technology to replace jobs.

As an independent society, we choose where to spend our time and our money.  If we continue to allow our government to increase taxes and fines and create laws for the express purpose of funding more government, we have no one to blame but ourselves.  Lack of knowledge is not an acceptable excuse, and it has never been.  We can educate ourselves about who is "in control" and make rules from local to state to the national level, and hold those we elected accountable.

Gerrymandering isn't just crummy politics, it's a moral mistake - regardless of party. Here's how it's hurting our state. pic.twitter.com/MjMZtRdhJp

— Sen. Jeff Jackson (@JeffJacksonNC) May 26, 2017

There should be term limits and dollar limits on political fundraising and campaigning, period.  Our country's government positions were never intended to be permanent jobs that provided lifelong pay and benefits, so why have we allowed it to become this?  The evolution of our government from positions of service to the people, to a business entity funded and controlled by other business factions and private enterprise, is a disservice to us all.  How can we have an independent country when our country's leaders are "dependent" in every sense of the word? Political favors to campaign donors and lobbyists are equivalent to financial debt.

Our country has some ugliness in its history.  Every country has some ugliness in its history. Where there are human beings, the good, the bad, and the ugly exists. That's nothing new, and it's certainly not exclusive to the United States.  Oppression, dictatorships, and authoritarian regimes are spreading throughout the world.  Our country does not have to become a casualty in this spread, but it most certainly can.

Civilizations have risen and fallen for centuries.  We can step up as individuals and demand accountability, fairness, and equitable treatment. However, we are also going to have to dig beyond the surface and beyond our comfort level and face the truth.  People in power are going to guard and protect and promote their own.  That is simply human nature. Our opinions, and what we wish others felt sometimes have to be set aside to move forward.

We must start to view ourselves as ONE country where we still have the freedom to make decisions, the independence to organize, and the ability to protect ourselves.  We can empower ourselves and hold government officials accountable.  We can seek common ground and interests. We can establish goals that are beneficial to us all.

If we continue to focus on dividing lines in this country, be they political party, race, religion, economic, or gender, we are going to implode.

There are some who want to see this happen.  Division, chaos, and distraction keep us off balance and unfocused.  Most of us just want to live our lives in peace with those who matter to us, but if we refuse to acknowledge the escalating despair and hopelessness around us that is leading to more violence and bloodshed, we are in danger of losing these simple joys that we often take for granted. We cannot simply pretend that everything is fine, and to do so is both self-centered and irresponsible.

We can, however, intentionally, purposefully live in the moment.  We can focus on love and strength and understanding.  As we celebrate Independence Day this year, let's take a brief moment away from the cookouts and celebrations to reflect on its meaning. When the celebrations end and we go back to daily life, let's make sure we are using our independence and our personal actions to promote and protect our continued freedom.