Hello, Everyone!!!
I hope that all of you had a Happy and Safe Fourth of July!
This past Friday, the United States of America celebrated its' 232nd birthday. May God continue to bless us and give our country at least another 232 years of existence as we currently know it. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone and nations are no exception. Since the very early 1900's, catastrophic wars, revolutions and economic upheavals have dramatically altered the international landscape. Countries and large republics that were in existence at least 20 to 30 years ago have disintegrated and evolved into newer national entities. How long they'll actually exist remains to be seen due to their internal instability. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm truly thankful to be an American citizen. Our nation is not perfect, but it still has a great deal to offer people who have the discipline and skills to make their dreams a reality.
232 years ago, the American Revolution was initiated by a critical mass of men, primarily of British descent, who informed the King of England that they no longer wanted to recognize him as their sovereign authority in matters of the State. As far as they were concerned, all men were essentially born free with certain inherent rights enabling each man to exercise his own individual freedom of choice. Collectively, they chose to no longer accept British rule and opted to form their own government without a ruling monarch as the head of State. The rest of the story is simply history and we are the fortunate beneficiaries of this legacy.
The evolution of the original thirteen colonies into the United States of America as we currently know it did not come without costs. Within our own shores and those abroad are buried the remains of countless individuals who have sacrificed their blood, sweat and tears to protect and stabilize our society. Of course, the decisions of our Federal officials aren't always perfect but the beauty of America is that the average citizen has the opportunity to voice his/her opinion and vote for change. In too many countries, change requires catastrophic civil wars that further destabilize their societies making them much more vulnerable to being exploited by inflexible tyrants.
Our nation has prospered because most of our transitions in government have been orderly. Although, we've had our internal conflicts such as the Civil War in the mid 1800's which decided the future of Slavery in our country. About 100 years later, the American Civil Rights Movement took place to ensure that all American regardless of their racial or ethnic background were treated fairly according to the rights guaranteed in our Constitution and the laws enacted by our elected officials.
The United States as we know it, today, is not perfect but I can't think of another country I would like to call home. Like, humanity, America is a "work in progress" and having the freedom to evolve and prosper is perhaps one of its' greatest legacies. The circumstances of an individual's birth should not impede his GOD given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!
Peace Be With All Of You,
Posted By: GAIL COOPER
Tuesday, August 12th 2008 at 4:20AM
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