225 Years & Counting

As of today it has been 225 years since the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence in what is now know as Independence Hall. As we have seen, this experiment in democracy has undergone more than a few challenges, some of which continue today; but the point is that despite the many different turns it has taken, ours is still the oldest form of government on the face of this earth and doesn’t appear to be anywhere near changing or being changed, at least not on a permanent basis.

So what does that mean to you? Certainly not a question that anyone else can answer for you since the American experience is indeed a very individual and personal one. As I sit in my little room, writing this I notice a flock of wild turkeys wandering through the back yard and it brings back the memory of when Benjamin Franklin proposed the turkey as the national bird. Yes, there are times now as within the past that one must laugh and ask if the government missed that one by a mile, but all in all this still remains one of the greatest countries on the face of this earth.

The complexities of this nation are regularly tested. Most recently by a different religion that cannot fathom the value of “freedom of speech and expression” despite an application of that which they feel insults their religion. It’s certainly not the first time, particularly in earlier years when racial and religious prejudice limited the selection of presidents. Today we have seen much change in that vein and while you might not like the current selection of elected officials, you can’t argue with the fact that anyone can grow up to be president. The dream of many youngsters still lives ….

So what of the future and why should you care? As we are about to experience, once again the election of a president is eminent and each of us has the obligation to vote for the person(s) of our choice. As we are seeing again, the country is almost equally divided among the two candidates so your vote not only counts, it could be one of the final and most important votes. Don’t waste it! Voicing your opinion to your elected representative is still and will remain important. If you don’t tell them what you think, how will they know and act accordingly. Despite the appearances that they do what they want, the masses have an impact as quite a few of them learned during the last election. Just keep reminding them who they work for, in writing, in person, and most of all in the voting booth.

And lastly, strive to be a Professional Citizen. Take responsibility where you can and hold our representatives responsible where they should. Teach your children about the importance of liberty, the constitution, and the bill of rights. Remind them that they have a duty as a citizen to do the right thing, the just thing, and everything else the country needs. Remind them we have a voluntary military and their service is what helps keep the country free, strong, and robust. Explain that todays economic times will pass and prosperity will again return AND it can only be maintained if they take on the challenges of politics, economics, science, engineering and so many skills that we need now and will in the future.

Yes, it might sound a little corny, but it’s the kind of corn that has keep this country popping for 225 years so let’s turn up the heat and keep things cooking!