Independance Day at Desperately Seeking Sanity

July 4th, 2008

Independence from my blog come from Heather at Age 30 - A Year of Books…

Tonight all across our country people will gather outside or in front of their tv to watch dazzling displays of fireworks. They’ll “ooh” and “aah”, smile and clap, and then tomorrow go back to their everyday routines. Some people have a day off from work and I’m sure they will enjoy the break.

But is that all there is to it - fireworks and a break from our routine? Isn’t there something more that we’re forgetting about?

Two hundred thirty two years ago the leaders of the British Colonies in America came together to approve a break from the mother country. Their efforts led to the Declaration of Independence and the establishment of the United States of America. Today that nation still exists … and that is amazing.

I’m not saying our nation is perfect or that there aren’t things we do wrong. What I AM saying is that we live in a wonderful free country. We can speak out about our thoughts and beliefs thanks to the 1st Amendment. If we think things are wrong with the government we can cast our votes to elect people we believe in, thanks to the 15th and 19th Amendments. We’re free to get involved with any cause that we feel is worthy (for ideas on worth causes, check out these two links: Weekly Geeks – Social Causes and The 40 Day Fast).

I encourage you to take advantage of your freedoms; get involved with a cause, understand the political candidates, vote in every election. And always remember our troops – men and women, young and old, who VOLUNTEERED to serve – scattered around the world regardless of your opinions on war or government. This 4th of July remember the good things about our nation and get involved to change the bad things.

Since my blog is all about books, I couldn’t close this guest post without mentioning at least a few.

The Declaration of Independence: The Story Behind America’s Founding Document and the Men Who Created