Happy Fourth of July!

On July 4th, 1776 Congress adopted a document primarily written by Thomas Jefferson (with help from John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman) which stated America's Thirteen Colonies no longer held an allegiance to the British Empire. Though some historians argue that several signers did not actually sign the Declaration until August 2nd or after (which has some merit as not all members of Congress were present on July 4th, 1776), we hold July 4th as America's day of Independence as a sovereign nation.

The document itself lists the colonial grievances against King George III and by asserting certain natural rights-- including the right of revolution. What most Americans find so engrossing about the Declaration is its second line, which states:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."

President Abraham Lincoln (considered our most successful president) concluded that the Declaration should form the basis of political philosophy and the Constitution ought to be interpreted through the sentiments expressed therein. 233 years after America declared itself independent, those same truths seem more relevant than ever. The citizens of America strive to seek happiness among a massive war, an economic downturn, and cultural strife within its own borders.

Perhaps as American citizens (whether we are observant civil servants or rebellious iconoclasts) we should consider that second sentence which gives every American the right to express themselves any way they choose. That citizens can worship, dress, think, and WRITE however they please. It is in the times of strife where we find our most noble traits... and discover our most horrible flaws. On this day we should consider what we have and band together as the most diverse people in one of the largest nations in the world. On this day we celebrate the fact that our Nation, founded on universal natural principles, united people from all over the world seeking a better life.

Maybe we should use the reminder of this holiday to appreciate what we have, because 233 years ago, our ancestors found these rights to be in rare commodity and risked their lives for them.