July 4th 2011

July 4th 2011 (6/29/2011)

Last July 4th I was in Washington, D.C. with my children and wife to watch the nation’s fireworks show. It was a moving experience to visit the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials, see the Washington Monument, and more importantly to trek through the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence and Constitution first-hand. In the last 12 months there has been a political shift in the House, political scandals, the death of Osama Bin Laden, and wars started in Libya and now Yemen. Last July 4th gas prices averaged $2.72 versus $3.70 this year, more Americans are on food stamps than ever before – 13% from last year, and housing prices have dropped more than in the Great Depression – down another 5% from last year. With bad numbers at home things must be getting better abroad, but that is far from what is occurring. The European Union appears to be entering a new crisis ignited by Greece and the Japanese earthquake is showing how desperate governments put pride before safety.

July 4th is celebration of the events of the summer of 1776 and the proclamations debated in Philadelphia in July to declare independence from the British. The two statements, “all men are created equal” and “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are idolized around the world as symbolic of the freedom we have. It was September 17, 1787 that gave us the America we enjoy today; the signing of the Constitution and Bill of Rights. It did take nearly another 18 months to ratify the document, but the America I know came from the forward thinking of our early statesmen.

Many argue the Constitution should evolve with our times. In fairness I must wonder whether a document written to govern 4 million and land east of the Mississippi River where communication was measured in weeks was meant for 250 million citizens, 3000 miles shore to shore, and instantaneous access to all information available in the world. I think it is important to understand from where we came and reflect on the premise of design for a country born of hope out of fear of tyranny. Although our economy is in the toilet and more Americans than ever rely on the government dole to make ends meet, America is still a far better country than most. The visions for a strong republic and classic liberalism philosophies feel like they are fading away. As you watch fireworks this weekend, contemplate life 235 years ago and the excitement and fear in Philadelphia of starting a new country.