Celebrate The Independence Day Privilege
Independence Day – more commonly referred to as the Fourth of July – is far more significant than just barbecues and fireworks. It’s also a lot more than just celebrating the anniversary of the day, 245 years ago, when men in wigs and pantaloons signed the Declaration of Independence.When our forefathers announced they were finished with England's rule, they knew it wouldn’t be easy to foster a free way of life – and it still isn’t; but they also knew that the cornerstone of a great nation was the freedom of its citizens.Therefore, one of the most important things to do on Independence Day is to reflect deeply on the meaning and privilege of freedom.
No Independence; No Freedom
Think about living a life in a place where freedom is not a birthright.
In North Korea, a country of nearly 26 million people, there are only 1.2 million telephone lines. Most are reserved for senior government officials. If you want a phone there, you must fill out forms indicating your standing in the government, why you want a phone, and how you’ll pay for it. It is estimated that less than 10% of telephones in North Korea are in private residences.
In Belarus, citizens vote, but there are no term limits for politicians. Also, the authoritarian regime is known for preventing opposition, often violently, from running for office.
While the relatively new law in Somalia against female genital mutilation made the act illegal, the law is rarely enforced. The procedure is still widely practiced on nearly all young Somali girls who have no say in the matter.
If you’re a recording artist in Uzbekistan, free speech is restricted to such a degree that if you want to perform music for the public, you must obtain special licenses from the government.
In Saudi Arabia, if you are a female and want to attend one of the recent wrestling shows produced by WWE, you are only allowed to go with a male companion. The government also banned female wrestlers from appearing on the shows.
The Upside of Political Divisiveness
Many Americans feel they live in a divided time of political extremes; but when you think about it, they like living here because of their right to disagree with one another.
You can watch a conservative channel like Fox News or a liberal channel like MSNBC and hear diametrically opposed opinions.
You can see a home with a lawn sign promoting a Democratic candidate next door to a home with a lawn sign promoting a Republican candidate.
If you don’t like any of the candidates, you don’t have to vote.
If you think you can do a better job, our system allows you to run for office and represent the people.
Despite the many ideological differences held by us as American citizens, our freedom allows us all to form our own opinions and speak them freely.
Issues That Divide
In today's political climate, it seems divisiveness has become a trend. The extremes in thinking have given rise to a glut of issues from which to choose sides.
Some people hate guns; some people love them.
Some people hate pornography, while others love it.
Some people go to church every day or every week and pray for whichever religion they choose, yet some people don’t believe in God.
People can choose to get married in a church, on a beach, in their home, or at City Hall.
Freedom allows us to be different, and it also makes us great. It challenges us to examine, respect, and understand different points of view. America's free society facilitates open discussions that help us understand why we are free and how allowing for differences of opinion keeps us that way.
Living the Independence Day Privilege
As I end this entry, I want to take a moment to recognize and to reflect upon the men and women who have defended America for 245 years. I work alongside some of the bravest, strongest, smartest, and most dedicated people I have ever had the honor to meet. For any American reading this who has no connection to the military, let me assure you – we are in good hands.While I had many dreams as a boy in Haiti about coming to America and making a life for myself, I never imagined what a privilege it would be to represent and defend the freedom and independence of this nation and my fellow American citizens. For me, recognizing that privilege is really what Independence Day is all about.