Saturday, July 4, 2009

Independence Day


If I counted right, we Americans declared our independence 233 years ago today. We said, we'll take care of ourselves, thank you. We figured we could see fit to take care of ourselves...said we can see to our needs and those of our neighbor. We don't need to keep sending taxes to some government who isn't really particularly useful to us.

A lot has changed since then. Over the years, and incrementally, we've listened to those who promised the advantages of just one more government program. Somehow we decided first that it would be easier to take care of our neighbor by delegating that job to the government. Then we decided maybe it'd be good to have the government take care of us.

Well friends, I'm ready for a little more independence. I'm ready to take back some of that responsibility...for myself first, and then my neighbor too. Because I have more faith in my neighbors way out here in Denton County than I do those suits in D.C. My neighbors are fine people, and unlike those legislators, understand real life and practical matters of day-to-day getting by. They don't have graduate degrees, but they can balance a budget.

It's not cherry blossoms in spring, but a peaceful Texas stream can make you feel pretty free. I guess that'll do for now.


In the meantime, I'll keep working for a living, taking care of my family, and trying to do better at taking care of my neighbors....and when I get a few minutes for refreshment, I'll pedal down these old Denton County roads...


...thankful for the freedom that remains.

4 comments:

  1. Excellent post my friend. I've studied much of American History (as spurred on by Richard Mayberry) and I would say that you said that you stuck the tone perfectly. Happy 4th of July to you and your neighbors! God Bless America.

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  2. Great post, and it mirrors my thoughts in general, but especially this year on "Independence Day." It's good to celebrate the rights that still remain, but I also wonder how we can get back those we've surrendered to the government. It's easy to give up our rights, but very difficult to get them back.

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  3. Just like my parents lectured during my teen years, "...with freedom comes great responsibility". I didn't understand it then, but it makes a lot more sense now.

    Yes, it is difficult to reclaim freedom. I'm guessing, however, that at least part of the solution is standing up to the responsibility of caring for ourselves and our neighbors.

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