The Profound Meaning of July 4th

This July 4^th, what will we celebrate?

While participating in the convention that wrote the Constitution, Ben Franklin was asked by a lady, "What are you creating?" "A republic, madam" he replied, "if you can keep it."

While congressmen like Ben Franklin were creating a country in the early days, today congressmen create lewd pictures of their private parts on the Internet. How things have changed! The conduct of our countrymen, our Congress, and the nation itself are profoundly different.

Fragile republic

In creating the republic that we enjoy today, take a moment this July 4^th to reflect upon its importance. Read some history, familiarize yourself with the founding fathers, realize the freedoms we acquired, and understand the power of your vote. Understand also that such creations are fragile. Franklin alluded to that in his remark to the lady.

These United States represent a free and democratic republic with few others having a reputation of longevity. Thomas Sowell questions the viability of democracy suggesting "the franchise depends on the wisdom of voters...[it] was always limited, in one way or another, so that voting would be confined to those with a stake in the viability and progress of the country, and the knowledge to cast their votes intelligently."

The vote

I might suggest that voters of the recent past cast their votes neither intelligently nor with knowledge. With such performance, one wonders whether universal suffrage was a good idea or not. Be that as it may. Look where it got us.

There is no better vision of the state of our republic than to look where we stand on this July 4^th. We are broke and in debt. The national economy and whole states are in trouble. Too many are without jobs, income, and ways to support themselves and their families. We are stripped of our freedoms to choose, with restrictions and rules directing whatever choices we have left. We are told what to do, how to do it, and when. And then we remember we elected the people who mandate our lives accordingly.

Fun v. Profound

With every holiday comes two levels of understanding for celebrating its significance. One is frivolous, the other is profound. By all means, enjoy July 4^th fireworks, if your local republic allows them. But also by all means, know the larger republic at hand.

Examine your place in these United States. Probe your preference for here versus the socialist republics so many Americans admire. Question why our leaders, under the guise of compassion, like to copy nations that fail. Identify the elements of patriotism and what made America great. Then celebrate them on July 4^th. Because the republic may not last.

You have a stake in the progress of the republic we call America or you can contribute to its demise. July 4^th celebrates that the choice is profoundly ours.

The following was an inspiration as well as a source:

http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/270693/democracy-viable-thomas-sowell