We The People
We the People…
"Don't judge people for the choices they make when you don't know the options they had to choose from"
Each July 4th I think of our founding fathers who risked their lives to create a new country pledging their honor to claim their independence from England. Declaring freedoms that no other nation enjoyed at the time: freedom of religion, speech, the press, assembly, and petition.
The 56 courageous and dedicated men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 knew they were committing treason when the ink was dry on their signature. And still, they accepted that risk to ensure “…certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”.
In the 244 years since that monumental day, many of ‘We the People’ are still searching for complete freedom. People who are of a different race, gender and/or ethnicity than those 56 white men want the same freedoms. We expect freedom of speech, even if it is interpreted as “fake” from one side or another. We defend the freedom to assemble and speak our mind even at the risk of great personal harm.
Former Secretary of State and national security adviser Condoleezza Rice said “…America was born with a birth defect; it was slavery”. She said, "We forget in the United States how long it has taken us to make 'We the People' mean people like me (an African American).” Two hundred and forty-four years later, we still have much work to do. We ALL have work to do to safeguard the BEST parts of this incredible country. Here is what I will do:
- Listen with an open mind and heart
- Acknowledge I can do better
- Take one small step of action to expand my thinking daily
If you are going to mark America's birthday with friends or family remember the great aspirations of our Founders, We the People are in this together.
You deserve the best of me, and I deserve the best of you. Create fireworks from your heart of Understanding, Joy and Love and fill the skies with Gratitude and Appreciation knowing that We the People…can make this world a better place if we focus together on the highest good for all. What are you willing to risk for the future of America?
America is still growing and stretching, may each of us commit to doing the same.
Stay safe and enjoy America’s birthday.
