Another year has gone by and the USA can celebrate its existence. I, for one, am glad I chose to be born here. Perhaps in the next life I will choose another country. But that is for another posting.
Our country is one great dichotomy. We have freedoms like not other nation. We can, and do, vote the rascals in and out. That is our saving grace, and perhaps our downfall.
It is so easy for those are living well to forget or denigrate those who do not.
It is so easy for those of one group to castigate and mistrust those who are different.
It is so easy to get so absorbed in our daily lives to forget about and ignore those who need our attention and energy.
It is so easy to respond to natural disasters to provide assistance but not so easy to recognize the need for additional assistance others may need.
It is so easy to blame others for our place in the world and label ourselves victims and so difficult to take personal responsibility for our place in this life.
It is so easy to take for granted the freedoms we enjoy and forget that freedom is something that must be earned.
It is so easy to think the other guy will do it, and I won't have to do much.
It is so easy to thank those folks who volunteer everyday to do the work that will keep us free, and then go about our daily lives as if not much else is happening in the world.
It is so easy for us to blame our elected leaders for their transgressions, but not demand they pay the price for those transgression.
It is so easy for me to write these words because I have chosen to live in a country that not only allows me the opportunity, but almost demands it.
It is easy for me to say these things because in my own small way I helped pay for it. Over 20 years of active federal service in the military was the price I paid, and I would do it again.
So, my fellow citizens, a very happy Fourth of July to you and our wonderful though somewhat flawed country. It's these things that make us great, and why others want to be here to enjoy the same freedoms.
#187
4 comments:
you, my friend, are a great man.
thank you for doing your part in reminding us all what this day is for (4?) and that we all have things we need to be reminded of.
stars & stripes baby!
B
excellent post and i second your thoughts on "us" the people.
enjoyed all your photos...you might be right
re: cananda vs the bahamas....but shoveling snow when im old and gray might be rough. lately ive been looking at a teak plantation in costa rica...but in the end i will probably end in the north jawja mountains.
nice job on your patio...i love jackmani clematis too.i also really liked that skeleton horse and the stone mushroom garden
and MAN thanks for all the food shots...what do people always want to know about travels? "what did ya eat?"
the sole and ricotta gnocci with lemon sauce...mmmmm.
jack, thanks for the 20+ years of service to this nation, and your continued optimistic outlook and good nature on the blogs.
have a wonderful day.
ps: you dont think much of that del sol, do ya?
grrrrherhahaha. its okay, i love my car too.
(how american is that?)
the solde and
Hope you're having an awesome 4th!
Well done, Jack! A wonderful Independence Day to you and yours.
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