It is a community working in unison. Otherwise it is anarchy. It is an abomination when it is selfish and self-centered. It can destroy a home when misused, and leave only the shaky remains of a house.
It is seldom truly appreciated until it is lost — this ability to speak one's mind and not pay the price of imprisonment. We cannot thank our forefathers enough for this majestic gift.
A familiar quotation is often repeated: “The temptation is to enjoy the fruits of citizenship without tending the tree of liberty.” Each July 4th I repeat these words to remind myself of all those who have sacrificed to allow this beloved country to celebrate over 200 birthdays.
I can imagine that the hand of John Adams might have shook as he placed his signature at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence. His words certainly express the fervor of this action. "Whether we live or die, sink or swim, succeed or fail, I stand behind this Declaration of Independence. And if God wills it, I am ready to die in order that this country might experience freedom." And many of the signers faced just that — broken, bankrupt and even death...but their dream remained very much alive.
The shining challenge that freedom brings with it: Responsibility! Yours and mine. To make our communities safe and secure and radiating the truth that this gift must be for one and all rather than a host of lesser versions being passed around.
Freedom must have a conscience or else it will fall victim to totalitarianism. When a government is concerned only with power it soon exists only to please itself and soon finds itself embroiled in chaos.
French writer Alexis de Tocqueville, after visiting America in 1831, said, "I sought for the greatness of the United States in her commodious harbors, her ample rivers, her fertile fields, and boundless forests – and it was not there. I sought for it in her rich mines, her vast world commerce, her public school system, and in her institutions of higher learning – and it was not there. I looked for it in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great!"
The bright and shining statements of these special men of our revolutionary yesterdays linger always with us. "Patriotism is not a short and frenzied burst of emotion but the long and steady dedication of a lifetime," Thomas Jefferson observed.
I visited a movie theater the other day and enjoyed the movie but even more so I was blessed to remember that freedom does not give me the right to stand up and shout "fire." Restraint — that is the magic glue that holds our democracy together.
So then, fellow citizen of this great land, give future generations the opportunity to revel in the same. Be sensitive to the needs of others.